Karen Marie Ankenbauer

Karen Marie Ankenbauer, aged 66, passed away on October 24, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a courageous and long battle with breast cancer.

Born in Inglewood, California, on October 15, 1960, to Marie Christensen and the late James Christensen, Karen lived a vibrant life filled with warmth, connection, and devotion to her family. Throughout her life, Karen called several places home including Southern California; London, England; Tucson, Arizona; New York City; and Miami, Florida, before settling in Overland Park, Kansas.

Karen graduated from Foothill High School in 1978. She pursued her higher education at the University of San Diego and the University of Arizona before earning her degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She built a dedicated career in commercial banking across multiple institutions, ultimately retiring from Arvest Bank in 2025.

A true social butterfly with a great sense of humor and a deep, kind heart, Karen was a friend to all. She was always the person who listened and helped whenever someone had a problem, earning her a reputation as a mother to all the kids in the neighborhood. Above all else, her family was her greatest accomplishment and life’s pride. She cherished every moment spent as the ultimate sports and soccer mom, loved going out for a good girls' night, and treasured annual summer family trips to Flathead Lake. Outside of time with her family, Karen found joy in riding horses, spending days at the beach, and opening her heart to rescue dogs. She was a faithful member of the Catholic Church.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Ankenbauer; her four beloved children, Christopher Ankenbauer, Zachary Ankenbauer, Haley Weed (Kramer Weed), and Austin Ankenbauer, all of Overland Park, Kansas; her mother, Marie Christensen; her brother, Michael Christensen of Atlanta, Georgia; and her cherished grandchildren, Jameson Ankenbauer, Logan Weed, and Kennedy Weed. She also leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, James Christensen.