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 6 th 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.
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