Karen Dee Thielen, passed away January 6, 2026, at Mennonite Friendship Communities in South Hutchinson. She was born April 30, 1943, in Wilson, KS, to Glenn Harvey and Mildred Mae (Branda) Whitmer.
In 1961, Karen graduated from Wilson High School in her home town. Shortly after, she enrolled at Brown Mackie College in Salina, where she pursued her education. Karen worked in accounting for a tax accountant and for First Bank, both in Sterling. After many fulfilling years, she eventually retired in the early 2000’s.
On June 1, 1964, she married Brian Edward Thielen, in Wilson, KS. They shared 40 years of marriage, prior to his death on January 2, 2005.
Karen was very family oriented. She loved watching her husband perform and supported his talent and dedication throughout his musical career. She was an avid K.C. Royals and Chiefs fan and loved watching sports on TV. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan, cheering them on at every sporting activity. Attending all their games brought her joy and earned her a “Sporting Grandma” car tag. Karen also enjoyed traveling with her family in her RV. In her spare time, Karen played cards and often enjoyed games like Phase 10, Poker, and Wahoo with her family and friends. However, there wasn’t anything she cherished more than the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her children, Tim (Denise) Thielen and Lori Thielen; her grandchildren, Holly Thielen, Cody (Kinsley) Riggs, Holden Thielen, Logan Riggs, Brittney (Alex) Huters, and Bradley (Courtney) Haynes; her great-grandchildren, Kalloway and Kaffrey Riggs, Jackson Haynes, and two on-the-way, Greyson Haynes and Blair Huters; her daughter-in-law, Patti LaGreca; her sister-in-law, Jeanine (Steve) Eschbaugh; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Thielen; her parents, Glenn and Mildred Whitmer; her sister, Glenda Morgan; and many in-laws.
Parish Rosary will be at 10 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple St., South Hutchinson, officiated by Father Eric Weldon. A luncheon will take place after the mass at Madonna Hall, beside the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Dorrance, KS, at 3 p.m. There will be refreshments provided at the Dorrance American Legion Post # 334, 513 Main St., Dorrance, after the burial. Friends may sign her memorial book 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2026, with family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities or Gentiva Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.