Karen Johnson

Karen (Kloxin) Johnson, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home at Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Topeka, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of love and quiet generosity.

Karen was born on February 3, 1940, in Marysville, Kansas, to William “Bill” and Martha (Geisler) Kloxin. She grew up in Marysville and attended Marysville High School, where she proudly twirled as a majorette. While in high school, she worked at the local Dairy Queen, a job that sparked her lifelong love of ice cream. One of her favorite family activities later in life was making homemade ice cream on the farm, creating sweet memories that are still fondly remembered.

On May 26, 1957, Karen married the love of her life, Wesley Johnson. Immediately following their marriage, they moved to California while Wesley completed his service in the United States Navy. After his service, they returned to Home, Kansas, where they began farming together south of town. There, they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. Karen was a devoted wife and mother who found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved.

Karen had a love for animals from a young age and always tended to the animals on the farm, from bucket calves to bottle-fed sheep. There were always cats and dogs in her life, including a long-haired Himalayan cat and her beloved white Samoyed dog, Digger.

Karen was an active member of Evangelical United Church of Christ, where she gave generously of her time helping with the annual soup day and many other church activities. She was also active in Eastern Star, the Lucky Mrs. Extension Unit, Garden Club, and the Blue Valley Saddle Club.

Karen was deeply involved in her girls’ activities, including Rainbow and 4-H, always helping to ensure projects were completed and record books were kept up to date. She supported her daughters with patience, encouragement, and pride.

She volunteered much of her time at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store in Marysville and with the community recycling program, always willing to lend a hand.

Karen found great joy in tending her garden. She loved growing flowers in her beautiful flower beds and growing and preserving vegetables from her garden, often sharing the fruits of her labor with family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, making quilts, working on puzzles, and spending time with family. She loved spending time at her daughter’s flower shop in Topeka, helping with the flowers.

She is survived by her three daughters: Brenda (Bill) Szewc of Cave Creek, Arizona; Deborah (Mark) Mikoleit of Topeka, Kansas; and Laura (Ken) Lawler of Topeka, Kansas; three grandsons, Weston Mikoleit of Kansas City, Missouri; Nathan Mikoleit of Topeka, Kansas; and Trace Lawler of Topeka, Kansas; three great-grandsons, Kash Mikoleit, Ford Mikoleit, and Knox Mikoleit; and her sister, Sherrie (Kloxin) Bell of Overland Park, Kansas.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Martha Kloxin; her beloved husband, Wesley Johnson; and her cherished grandson, Noah Lawler.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Marysville, with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Burial took place in the Home City Cemetery, Home, Kansas.

Karen will be remembered for her gentle heart, her generosity, and the many ways she cared—for her family, her animals, and her community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date.  Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.