Karen Donna Denowh was born on April 27, 1943, in Sidney, Montana to Thomas “Red” Biehl and Emily “Emy” (Welke) Biehl. She grew up in Fairview, Montana where her dad was a ditch-rider. During the winter, the family lived in town directly across the street from her future husband. Eventually they moved out to a house at 4-Mile. With three siblings, the country life was fun. At 8 years old, she fractured her left elbow which resulted in 2 operations in Billings. Karen graduated from Fairview High School in 1961. On October 27th of ‘62, she married the boy from across the street - Keith Severance. They had 2 children, Kelly Jo and Kip Allen. While living in Powell, Wyoming, Keith was diagnosed with a rare disease and passed away at the age of 24. Karen moved back to Sidney, where she was reacquainted with her prom date from junior year - Larry Denowh. They were married on November 8, 1969. He adopted Kip and Kelly and four years later, Jeffrey Julius was born.

Karen helped at The Electronics shop and then at Advanced Communications. In the back room, she was busy making quilts (over 50 denim quilts given as gifts), painting signs, and knitting. If she gave you a dishcloth or a scrubber, it was knit with love. She enjoyed writing letters and usually composed two a day. Karen baked cookies for Angel Court while her mother resided there. She was a devoted Christian woman who was an active member of Pella Lutheran Church. She was the president of Mary Martha Circle for years, taught Sunday school, and helped serve communion. Karen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her late 60s. She battled through until she turned 81.

Karen ended her battle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, September 20, 2024. She passed away peacefully at home with her husband by her side.

She is survived by her husband Larry Denowh; their daughter Kelly Evenson (Tom and bonus grand-daughter Ryanne Elizabeth Joy Evenson); their sons Kip Denowh and Jeffrey Denowh; her brother Tom Biehl (Janice); sister Beverly Reichenbach; as well as many loving family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas “red” Biehl and Emily “Emy” Biehl; her first husband Keith Severance; in laws Fern Severance and William “Bill” Severance; her sister Bonnie Heinle and brother in law Arvin Heinle; in laws Eugene Arnold Denowh and Stella Evangeline Denowh; brother in law Gerhard “Gerry” Reichenbach; sister in law Beverly (Denowh Walberg) Otto; her brother in law Duane Walberg; sister in law Mary Denowh; nieces Lori and Lisa Reichenbach; and nephew Matthew Biehl.

Thank You