Karen Ann Payne

Karen Payne, age 75, of Yankton, South Dakota passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton surrounded by her family.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Tom Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Karen was born on August 22, 1951, in Le Mars, IA to Marvin and Helen Susemhil. She grew up with her two brothers and spent her childhood around Wells’ Dairy, where she made many of her earliest memories.

As a little girl, Karen had a personality all her own. Her family often says that if you ever told Karen she couldn’t do something, you were only giving her more reason to do it. Once she set her mind to something, there was no stopping her. That vibrant determination, strong will, and independent spirit would stay with her throughout her entire life. In elementary school at Franklin School, she was crowned May Queen. She continued her education after high school, earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, where she became an elementary teacher.

Karen and Max were married in 1979. Together, they built a loving home and raised two incredible sons, Dan and David. Her family was the greatest love of her life and she was endlessly proud of her boys. Being a wife and mother was one of her greatest joys and she cherished the life they built together. In 1986, Karen and Max moved to Yankton and quickly found a special group of friends. Many of those lifelong friendships began at Hillcrest Golf Course, where many memories were made. As her boys grew older, she decided to substitute teach, allowing her to continue doing something she loved while also being present and involved in her sons’ lives. She was also proud to serve as Secretary of the Elks, a role that gave her the opportunity to give back to her community, build lasting friendships, and be part of something she cared deeply about.

Of all the roles Karen held in her life, being a grandma to Amelia was one of the most special. Amelia was the light of her life and brought her so much joy. Karen adored her little Amelia and treasured every laugh, hug, girl talk, and moment they shared together.

Karen was known for her kind heart, sense of humor, strength, generosity, and spunky personality. She loved all the things that made life fun. She enjoyed playing golf, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with the people she loved. Her friendships meant so much to her, and she especially looked forward to playing cards with her friends every week.

Karen will be remembered for her love of family, her friendships, and the special way she made the people around her feel so loved and accepted. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, sister and adored member of her family. She is survived by her husband, Max Payne; sons, Dan Payne of Denver, CO and David Payne of Omaha, NE; Dan’s fiancée, Victoria Spangler; and David’s wife, Amanda Payne; her granddaughters, Amelia and Hailey; and her two brothers, Gary (Cindy) Susemihl and Tom (Joan) Susemihl.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Helen Susemihl and in-laws, Dale and Ruby Payne.

Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for Karen, supported her, prayed for her, and surrounded her and the family with love during her final days.

Karen’s love will live on through her family, her friends, and especially through Amelia, who will always carry her grandmother’s love with her.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, which was one of Karen’s favorite charities.