Kathryn Jean Mannen

Kathryn J. "Kathy" Mannen (Luttjohann), a lifelong Topeka resident, passed away on October 15, 2026, six days before what would have been her 78th birthday.

Kathy married her high school sweetheart, John Mannen, on November 29, 1968. Together they raised two children, Wendy and Scott, and shared their lives and love with a nephew and nieces who were never anything less than their own. When the children were in school, Kathy returned to Washburn University and earned her business degree. She built a career in hospital and law administration and later retired from an I.T. company started by a friend.

Retirement only made Kathy more active. She was a regular at Genesis Silver Sneakers and pilates, and spent every summer in water exercise.

But nothing mattered more to Kathy than her people. She gave generously of her time, her energy, and her love to her three grandchildren. Kathy cherished her bridge group, a circle of friends who shared the table, the competition, and the laughter. She was every bit as devoted to her dear friends from her school days, whom she kept seeing right to the end.

Kathy was known to hold her feelings as close to her chest as she held her cards, but her love was fierce and loyal, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Kathy is survived by her husband, John; her children; her three grandchildren; and her bridge group and school friends, who were family to her in their own way.

A memorial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, at Dove Southwest Chapel 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Kathy's memory may make a donation to Midland Hospice House.