Karen Ruth (Pape) Lehmkuhl, age 83, of Hiawatha, Kansas, entered her heavenly home on August 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. Fought the fight of 10 years of cancer.
She was born August 31, 1942, in Wahoo, Nebraska, the daughter of John D. Lock and Betty Ruth (Johansen) Pape. She was in the 8th grade when Willis Pape adopted her and her brother. She graduated from Hamlin in 1960 where she enjoyed playing basketball and softball and was a cheerleader.
After high school, Karen worked at the Mid Central Egg Plant in Hiawatha doing various jobs. Throughout the years, Karen worked at several places including the Brown County Clerk’s Office until retirement and enjoyed helping out at the Cozy Café in Fairview following. She cherishes all the friends she worked with.
She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Henry James Lehmkuhl, on December 21, 1960. He passed away in July 2021. They raised three boys: Kevin, Richard and Chris. Family was everything to Karen. She loved going to football, baseball and wrestling matches to watch the boys. She and Larry helped start the Hiawatha Kids Federation Wrestling Club in Hiawatha. She soon earned the name, “Big Mama” from all the boys and she was honored. The name continued and she loved the ones that called her that.
Karen loved the Lord with all her heart. She can never remember a time not being in church. She served with a grateful heart by being on the church boards, treasurer, nursery, teaching Jr and Sr High Teens through the years. Church memories include worshipping in Rulo as a child to raising her family at the Falls City Church of the Nazarene. Karen was a member of Eternal Hope Worship Center at the time of passing. When she had the opportunity she testified, witnessed and told people about Jesus, saying “Jesus is my best friend.”
Above all, Karen loved and cherished her family. She never missed watching her grandchildren’s games or programs. She was their biggest and loudest supporter during those years as they say “Granny” was there for them in all ways. Her encouragement and love soon was embraced as her role of Great Grandma Karen and even Great-Great.
Karen loved to crochet Afghan blankets, kitchen towels and embroidered tea towels. She enjoyed sharing her famous chocolate cake, cream pies, taco salad, decorated cakes and her frosting. After retirement, Karen loved to make homemade bread and share it. She loved to decorate for Christmas! It was a special time to reflect and be together as a family.
Karen is survived by her boys; Kevin (Ann), Richard (Susan) and Chris (Tami) all of Hiawatha. Beloved grandchildren: Dustin, Jeremy, Tyler, Kayla, Amanda, Levi, Madison and Dalton; many great-grandchildren and great-great; sibling, Marv (Cindy) Pape and sister -in- law, Jan Pape; Amy Kopp, cherished niece that shared the name as daughter; and all her special friends at Maple Grove.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Terry Pape and Johnny Pape.
A celebration of Karen’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha. Jim Asbury, Dennis Liberty will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday. The family will meet with friends from 6-8 Friday evening at Church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Eternal Hope Worship Center, left in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.
Special messages to the family and livestreaming available at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com