Karen Ann Gross

Karen Ann Gross, age 83, of Topeka, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Topeka.

She was born the daughter of William Hugh and Agnes Louise (DeKeyser) Koehler on June 30, 1942, in Topeka. Karen was a 1960 graduate from Highland Park High School, and she furthered her education at Washburn University. She then entered the workforce and had a 35-year career working in payroll for the Sante Fe Railroad.

Karen loved sewing, knitting, traveling, and playing Bingo at Hayden PACE Bingo Hall. Her relationships with friends were important to her as she was part of her girls’ BUNCO and monthly card playing group and girl’s sorority, sharing special memories with her groups. Her love of sports was evident as she was an avid K-State, KC Chiefs, and college basketball fan. Karen enjoyed spending time in her flower garden and cherished the moments when she was visited by hummingbirds. Her faith and devotion to the Lord were the foundations of her life. She prayed the rosary daily and was an active parishioner with Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. The greatest joy to Karen was her family. Spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren filled her heart. After retirement, Karen was employed with Walmart and after 15 years, she then transitioned her employment with the school. Karen worked part-time as a Para-Professional with the Silver Lake School District. The kids would call her “Miss Karen” and she was always ready to step in as a substitute.

Survivors include her two daughters, Christina Gross, and Cheri (Tom) Corwin; three grandchildren, Jason (Linsey) Corwin, Christopher Gross, and Myles (fiancé Madeline) Gross; as well as her two beloved great-grandchildren, Finley and Rowan Corwin. Other survivors include her sister-in-law, Jan Koehler and special niece and nephew, Kelly (Ian) Koehler-Wedgwood and Casey (Shelly) Koehler; a great niece, Danielle Dlugosh; a great nephew, David Dlugosh; with several great-great nieces, nephews; as well as numerous loving cousins and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Douglas Koehler.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:30 P.M., with a rosary being prayed at 7:30 P.M., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 15, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Karen's memory to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.