Karen Dehlin

Karen Elizabeth Dehlin, born December 1, 1956, in Vermillion, South Dakota, lived a life defined by kindness, service, and a deep love for family and children. She had a gift for conversation and listening, and a way of making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and at ease. Life was simply more fun when Karen was around.

She attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls, where she was a member of the High-steppers dance team and was honored as a homecoming candidate her senior year. Karen continued her education at Sioux Falls College before transferring to Arizona State University, where she was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.

On July 7, 1984, she married the love of her life, David Dehlin. Together they raised two children: daughter Kathryn (Katie) Anne and son Taylor David, building a family rooted in faith and support. Dave and Karen were married for 41 years.

Karen devoted 35 years to a remarkable career as an elementary educator, teaching in grades K, 1, 2, 4, and 5 across multiple communities, including Laveen, Mesa, and Tucson, Arizona; The Woodlands, Texas; and Denver, Highlands Ranch, and Roxborough, Colorado. Karen was nominated for the Douglas County School District Apple Award for five school years and was honored to be the Representative for Roxborough Elementary in 2010. She retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, mentorship, and meaningful impact on countless students, families, and fellow educators. Her dedication to children and learning continued by authoring a children’s ABC book on rocks and minerals, which is in the process of being published.

Beyond the classroom, Karen served her community through numerous professional and volunteer roles. She was a former President of the ASU Alumni Association Old Pueblo Chapter in Tucson and was active in church communities in Tucson, Arizona; The Woodlands, Texas; and Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She was a steadfast supporter of her children’s athletic and church activities throughout their school years.

She found joy in traveling, reading, Lucky Ladies book club, Bible study, RV adventures, wintering in Arizona, tennis, pickleball, music and concerts, e-bike rides, and long walks. Above all, she loved helping children and being kind to others—values that defined her life and touched everyone who knew her. In retirement, Karen and Dave fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting all 50 states, completing the last state with a trip to Hawaii.

Karen passed away peacefully in Denver on January 20, 2026 with Dave at her side. She is survived by her husband, David Dehlin of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; daughter Katie (Brian) Blake of Woodland Park, Colorado; son Taylor (Samantha) Dehlin and granddaughter Parker Dehlin of Littleton, Colorado; sister Judy Carey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; brother Michael Holt of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; sister Deanna Chaudoin (Hal Knight) of Springfield, Virginia; sisters-in-law Kaye (Hank) Dehlin Wilke of St. John’s, Florida; Joan (Danny) Dehlin Rickert of Mobile, Alabama; and mother-in-law Joyce Dehlin of Mobile, Alabama, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Elizabeth Holt, and her father-in-law, Glenn Dehlin.

Karen was the heart of our family, our biggest cheerleader, and our constant source of encouragement, laughter, and love. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to family and children will live on in the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 1:00pm, The Dixon Chapel at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3908 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch Colorado 80126.

A live video stream will be available: https://youtube.com/live/WehMHOv05NI?feature=share

In Lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to ALS United Rocky Mountain in memory of Karen.