

Karen grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Wichita West High School, graduating in 1959.
On April 10, 1960, she married the love of her life, Larry Mahan. Together they built a life filled with love and partnership and were blessed to share more than 65 years of marriage.
Karen dedicated many years of her life to caring for others through her work in the medical profession. She worked as a physical therapy assistant, an EEG technician, and later as a pediatric office nurse in Garden City. After returning to Wichita in 1990, she began working for the Sedgwick County Clerk’s Office, where she remained until retiring in 2010.
Karen was a proud mother to her daughters, Kim Moore (Darrell) and Kelly Sauseda. She especially adored her grandchildren, Christopher and Emily, and took great joy in being an active part of their lives. She rarely missed their sports, dance recitals, or school events and was always there to cheer them on.
Karen enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—gardening, her grand-dogs, traveling, and spending time in the kitchen baking and cooking for her family. Preparing meals and gathering loved ones around the table was one of the many ways she showed her love.
Karen will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the deep love she had for her family. Though she will be greatly missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Larry Mahan; her daughters, Kim Moore (Darrell) and Kelly Sauseda; and her cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Emily.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Ivadelle Kreifels; her brother, Robert “Corky” Courtelyou, Jr.; her grandson, Brandon Sauseda; and her husband’s parents, David and Fern Mahan.
Visitation will be held from 9:00–10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Chapel at Resthaven, 11800 W. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS 67209. A celebration of life service will follow beginning at 10:00 a.m.
DONATIONS
Kansas Humane Society3313 N Hillside St., Wichita, Kansas 67219
Kansas Alzheimer's Association 535 W Douglas Ave #150, Wichita, Kansas 67213
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0