Kura Jo Mahan

Kura Jo Mahan was born on September 13, 1984, to Wes and Sue Mahan at St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

From the very beginning, Kura brought her own special light into the lives of the people around her. Kura graduated from East High School in Sioux City in 2002. During her school years, she enjoyed being part of the Sharks swim team, Girl Scouts, and her school basketball team. She later spent 18 years working for Midwest Continental Inc. in Sioux City and most recently worked at Bear Graphics.

Kura shared her life with her fiancé, Tommy Merchant, in Sioux City. She loved Tommy deeply and treasured his children Landon, Kaitlynn, Cydnee, and Layla. Tommy shared these words for Kura: "I will love you til I’m dust. Thank you for being my biggest fan, loving me and my children. I’ll see you in the sun and moon sweetheart."

Kura loved sunshine, hiking, road trips, hugging trees, camping, and anything and everything outdoors. She enjoyed Hanson, Trevor Hall concerts at Red Rocks in Colorado, and making memories along the way. Kura had a way of finding joy in nature, music, adventure, and the people she loved.

She was incredibly proud of her sobriety and was looking forward to celebrating nine years in October.

Kura was blessed to have her dear friend Darcey and her cousin Paige by her side at the end of her life.

Kura is survived by her mother, Sue Tipton Mahan; her father, Wes Mahan, and wife, Carla; her brother, Josh Mahan; her uncles, Steve Tipton and his partner Karen, Dave Tipton and his partner Cindy, Mike Mahan, and Rusty Mahan; her grandmother, Anita Tipton; her great aunt Millie and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Bill and Judy Mahan and Don Tipton, and her aunt Debbie VanRoekel.

Kura’s family is deeply grateful to everyone who touched her life with prayers, care, kind words, assistance, and gifts. They would especially like to thank Hospice of the Midwest, whose love, comfort, and open arms brought peace and support during Kura’s final days.

Kura will be remembered for her loving heart, adventurous spirit, strength, and humor. She will be deeply missed by everyone who loved her.

A family run Celebration of Life will be held on October 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Pry home, 1489 210th Street, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.