Kathy Johansen 1981-2024
Kathy Louise Johansen, of rural Powhattan, passed away on Oct. 1, 2024, at the age of 42, surrounded by her family. She was born in Hiawatha on Nov. 3, 1981.
She grew up on the family farm in rural Powhattan. She graduated from Hiawatha High School in 2000. She then attended Kaw Area Technical School in Topeka and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in July 2001.
On Sept. 22, 2001, Kathy was united in marriage to Nicholas Ryan Johansen, her high school sweetheart. To this union, one daughter (Sidney) and two sons (Kody and Austin) were born.
Kathy lived in rural Hiawatha for a short time after being married. Then they purchased her childhood home and moved back to the Rieger Farm.
Kathy worked at Sabetha Manor during her high school years and spent countless hours helping her father farm and ranch. It was during this time that she became a very active member of Hiawatha FFA, competing in competitions and holding various offices. She then worked at Hiawatha Hospital for 19 years, and ended up retiring at Holton Family Practice, her health forcing her to take an early retirement.
Kathy’s hobbies included her love for all animals especially horses and goats. She also enjoyed going on many motorcycle adventures with her husband. She spent many hours in the bleachers being her children’s #1 fan no matter what the sport. To say that her husband and children were her entire world is an understatement.
Survivors include her husband Nicholas, daughter Sidney (Nathan Wright), sons Kody and Austin, all of the home; sisters Jenny (Mitch) Brown, Hiawatha, Lori (Billy) Richardson, Derby, Ellen (Fred) Piper, Cottonwood Ariz.; brothers, Bill (Lori) Rieger, Powhattan, Jim (Julie) Rieger, Fairview; in-laws, Laurice Nigus (Steve Burkhart), Hiawatha, Marlin Johansen, Kansas City, and Kelsey Johansen (Juan Gonzales), Hiawatha, Rachel (Colby) Knudson, Horton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father (Bernard Lloyd Rieger) and nephew (Dylan Lloyd Richardson).
Friends may call after 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, where the family will visit at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at the United Church of Christ in Fairview at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Pastor Shane Spangler will officiate. A Nightengale service will be a courtesy of NW Missouri/NE Kansas area nurses. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Kathy Johansen Memorial Fund which may be sent to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
