Karen Lynn Mahler, age 69 of Cleveland, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away in her home with family by her side shortly after midnight on September 19, 2022. Karen was born October 1, 1952, in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Herbert and Nada (Chworowsky) Mahler of Mequon. Karen graduated from Homestead High School in 1970. On September 14, 1996, she married Richard Mahler (Schiefelbein) at Bethel UCC in Elkhart Lake.
Karen spent many years working with the elderly and disabled as a CNA. She was also a musician and performed on thousands of stages where she brought love, laughter, and entertainment to all who came to see her. In the most recent years, she enjoyed performing for many of the local nursing homes as well as RCS Empowers, where her goal was to bring a smile and entertainment to individuals with disabilities and special needs. Karen was also a business owner, however, her most important job was taking care of her family.
Karen was a selfless, kind, and devoted person. She loved her family deeply and treasured her grandchildren. Everyone who knew Karen felt her big heart and giving nature. Karen had a passion for many things but especially her love for birds, flowers, gardening, her music, and the Green Bay Packers. She also had a love for cooking. Whether it be a holiday, birthday party, or other event you could always count on her to have the famous Mahler cheesecake and cucumber dip prepared. You would always know when Spring was coming as Karen was the first to spot the Red Winged Blackbirds and the Robins. Karen had many loves and hobbies and looked forward to times spent with family and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Nada Mahler and son Daron Sturm. She is survived by her husband Richard Mahler, Sisters; Linda (Mike) Kropp, Cindy (Mike) Mor, Kathy (Jeff) North and Brother Steven (Renee) Mahler. Her children who she loved so dearly; Kristopher Sturm, Nicole (Corey) Smith, Danielle Ritchie, Kara (Dzmitry) Pautarzhytski and Sara (Alex) Wilkens; Mother-in-law to Margaret Sturm; Stepmother to Latoria Wiegand (James Wolfe).
She was the most caring Nana to Michael Sturm, Ryan Sturm, Natalie Sturm, Breann Smith, Hadley Wilkens, Ethan Wolfe, Rayelle Ritchie, Kamdyn Pautarzhytski and Sophia Wolfe. She was especially excited to welcome her future grandchildren The Pautarzhytski Twins due in February 2023.
Additional survivors include many stepchildren, extended family members, band mates and friends.
Funeral services for Karen will be held at 6:00 pm. Monday September 26, 2022, at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, 815 6th St. Kiel with Pastor Melinda Feller officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 3:00 pm until the time of service. Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.