Kathy Louise Johansen, of rural Powhattan, passed away on October 1st, 2024, at the age of 42, surrounded by her family. She was born in Hiawatha, KS on November 3rd, 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 September 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 & 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:
Husband Nicholas, Daughter Sidney (Nathan Wright), Sons Kody & Austin all of the home
Sisters: Jenny (Mitch) Brown, Hiawatha
Lori (Billy) Richardson, Derby
Ellen (Fred) Piper, Cottonwood AZ
Brothers: Bill (Lori) Rieger, Powhattan
Jim (Julie) Rieger, Fairview
In-Laws: Laurice Nigus (Steve Burkhart), Hiawatha, Marlin Johansen of Kansas City
Kelsey Johansen (Juan Gonzales) Hiawatha
Rachel (Colby) Knudson, Horton, many nieces & nephews.

Preceded in Death by: Father (Bernard Lloyd Rieger) and Nephew (Dylan Lloyd Richardson)

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Friday where the family will visit at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS from 6-8 that evening.

Celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at the United Church of Christ in Fairview, KS on Saturday, October 5th at 10:30 am. 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