Karen Wadleigh

Dates

March 11, 1941 - March 7, 2026

Obituary

Karen Wadleigh, 84, of Mitchell, formerly of Mt. Vernon, SD, fell peacefully asleep in death on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at her home in Mitchell under hospice care. Memorial service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 21, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Mitchell. Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Mount Vernon.

Karen Louise Wadleigh was born March 11, 1941, on the family farm outside St. Helena, Nebraska, to Herbert and Evelyn (Hansen) Halle. Karen was the fourth of thirteen siblings and grew up milking cows and petting her beloved chickens. Following graduation from Yankton High School, she attended Wayne State and earned her teaching degree. This adventure took Karen from one-room schoolhouses in Cherry County, Nebraska, to Belleview, Nebraska, teaching the 2nd grade. In Belleview, she met an Air Force captain, Richard Wadleigh, and they were married on August 9, 1969.

Karen and Richard moved to Denver, Colorado, where they enjoyed camping in the mountains and studying the Bible. Karen dedicated her life to her God, Jehovah, and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 16, 1976. In 1979, Karen and Richard, along with their children Shawn and Sarah, moved to a farm outside of Mt. Vernon, SD. She remained there for almost 50 years.

Karen was Richard’s right-hand lady, and they worked hard together to make the farm a success. After years of hauling bales, milking cows, raising calves, taking care of sows, piglets, and her beloved chickens, Karen and Richard enjoyed many fun adventures in their camper. Travelling, whether it be to New York or California or to countries such as England, France, and Bolivia with family, as well as exploring and finding the hidden gems in the beautiful Black Hills, such as the Purple Pie Place with their dear friends, the Kapple’s, from Colorado, and visiting their brothers and sisters, brought a lot of joy. They made a point of stopping at Kingdom Halls along the way to meet new friends as well as reconnect with old ones. Karen kept busy knitting and had a washcloth or two on the ready to handout as a keepsake. During this time, Karen enjoyed helping with Kingdom Hall building projects, including serving as one of the night watchmen on a building site. She also volunteered as much time as she could, sharing the truths from the Bible that she loved with others. These included truths such as what the near future will be like– Psalms 37:10, 11-wicked people will be no more and there will be an abundance of peace on the earth, Psalms 46:9- God will end all war, Isaiah 33:24-sickness will be gone, and Revelation 21:4-God will take away everything that brings sadness – including pain and death, as well as, the beautiful promise that those who have passed away and are sleeping in death will be resurrected by Jesus back to earth as he did in the past. – John 5:28, 29. She now awaits those promises to be fulfilled by her loving heavenly father, Jehovah, who cannot lie.

Karen is survived by her son, Shawn; daughter, Sarah (Sean) Earleywine; granddaughter, Addisyn Earleywine; step-granddaughters, Jade Earleywine (Tanner) and Brooke (Michael) Thul; step great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Ashton, Collins, and Davie; siblings, Kay, Kent, Karma, Todd, Judy, Jane, Berlyn, and Vaughn; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses; 2707 SD-37, Mitchell, SD, 57301.

To view the memorial remotely on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 267 439 8232
Passcode: Karen

Service

Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time
2:00 PM

Location
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
2707 SD-37
Mitchell, SD, 57301

Cemetery

Mt. Vernon Cemetery
Mt. Vernon, SD

Posted by Jan Peckham ( & Jim) on March 21, 2026

Sorry to hear about Karens’ passing. I remember er from when she visited Walnut Creek Cong.- enjoyed her soft spoken manner& nice to chat with. Look forward to welcoming her back in Paradise,when our happy Gods Jehovah wakes her up!❣️

Posted by Erlan Irahola on March 20, 2026

Every moment, precious lives are lost, and although a person's ability to live for many decades may bring some satisfaction, it doesn't lessen the deep pain caused by their absence and loss due to death.
The things I would like to remember about my aunt Karen are her affection and spontaneity. Although we didn't live near her—in fact, we were on different hemispheres—she made a great effort to stay in touch with my family. I'll never forget how many times she called my mother and wrote letters to her nephews and nieces, and sent them lovely gifts by mail.
When we stayed at her house, she was incredibly hospitable and loving. She wanted us to be comfortable, enjoy the food, and have some leisure time, which is always welcome, especially when you're a foreigner. The last time she was able to stay with us, I was so glad to were able repay her kindness and give her an adventure that she would remember for many years.
It is sad for me not to see her again, and I know I will miss her in my mind and heart. I want to reflect on and emulate her legacy, just as I do like the case of my mother, who also passed away years ago.
The Bible says that God acts with loyalty to someone who is loyal. I am certain that my Aunt Karen was loyal to Jehovah. So, because of God’s love magnificent, He will bring his dear friend back to life, a loyal person like her. Who served God in her life and developed a beautiful personality, known to many as Sweet and Tender Karen.

My deepest condolences to her children, and I am so sorry for the loss of their beloved mother.
With love and empathy
Erlan Irahola
Cochabamba, BO

Posted by The Lyman Family on March 18, 2026

Heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Aunt Karen. We deeply cherished the time we spent with Karen—whether playing games or baking cookies—as she always had boundless energy for all the chores around the house and the farm, and even for extreme adventures like our trip to Toro Toro. Despite this sorrowful time, we found comfort knowing that we will have her back with us in the New World.

Posted by The Irahola family on March 18, 2026

Auntie Karen,

We had the privilege of visiting her on two occasions in the U.S., and we enjoyed her hospitality and affection during those times. When she visited us in Bolivia, her fine character, kindness, and desire to learn about other cultures and customs were outstanding . Many memories remain of those cherished moments.
At this time, as Jesus said, she is resting; and the day will come when we will have her back with us—healthy, young, full of energy, and for the eternity, we will serve our loving Creator, Jehovah God, together.

We will wait patiently for that day, for we know that these blessings from Jehovah are now not far away, and any sacrifice that entails will be worth it.
We send our love and affection to all of you, dear family, may you always remember her beautiful qualities.
With love
The Irahola Halle Family

Posted by Kay Hicks on March 13, 2026

Thank you, Karen for being my closest sister. We worked together on the farm until I went to college and started teaching schools from Neb. to Indiana, Illinois. She went with me to get a teaching job in Downers Grove, Ill. and even with me the jfirst semestger in Lowel, Indiana. I will miss her. Oh bhy the jway, she and I went on a summer trip to visit our Uncles Idaho, California amd Arisona. Both of us were not used to the hot sun and stayed in the sun too long and suffered lalter.
My condolences and sympathy to all those who knew her, too. I hope to see her in the resurrection, too.,

Posted by Rick Tollefson on March 12, 2026

Lots and lots of fond memories with Karen at the Wadleigh farm going back as far as I can remember. She will be missed and remembered in our Heavenly Father Jehovah’s book. We (Tollefson boys) loved her as a 2nd mother. May she rest in peace until her name is called. ❤️

Posted by Shirley Halle pulkrabek on March 11, 2026

I am so sorry to hear of my dear cousin Karen’s passing. Sadly, we never really knew each other until adults. But her gentle ways and ready. Smile made her easy to know and love. I won’t be able to attend the funeral, but she will always be remembered.I am so grateful. That I was invited to the HALLE family reunions, and the last one last summer was extra special. Love and condolences to Karen’s children and grandchildren. God bless.

Posted by Mary Donvito on March 11, 2026

Karen was a beacon of kindness and warmth in all who knew her. As a dedicated farmer, she raised chickens with love, sharing their fresh eggs generously with family, friends, and neighbors. Beyond her farm, Karen was a constant source of support, always there to listen, encourage, and uplift others. Her generous spirit, gentle wisdom, and unwavering friendship will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.I cannot wait till we will see her again. May Jehovah give her family Support with his Right hand as they are LOVED.

Posted by Susan Edgecomb on March 11, 2026

I will try to be there, your parents were my good friends . I’ll be looking forward to seeing them again. Love you 💕💜

Posted by MARY GILLEN on March 11, 2026

Looking forward to seeing her again in the new system!

Posted by Rex and Deb Shultz on March 11, 2026

PS there was a typo in my first sentence. It was supposed to read “sad”.

Posted by Rex and Deb Shultz on March 11, 2026

We are dead to lose Karen to our enemy, death. But gratified to know that she and Richard had deep in their hearts the promise of the ressurection to paradise.Knowing too that death is simply sleeping and awaiting a wake up call from Jehovah.
So many memories, we could write a book! Karen was a fun and faithful service partner! Always ready for a laugh, and often at her own expense!😁 We survived two weeks of pioneer school together in 2000 and I’m grateful she was my partner. We look forward to the time when Karen and Richard will be reunited with their family and friends in a world without pain and suffering.
Love to you all from Rex and Deb

Posted by Kevin Guillory, Jr. on March 10, 2026

To the family and dear friends of Sister Wadleigh,

Please accept my sincerest condolences. It is truly heartwarming to see the beautiful example of faithful endurance Sister Wadleigh set from the time of her baptism in 1976.

Her life was clearly one of hard work and deep love for Jehovah's creation. It is so moving to think of her as a spiritual watchman and a zealous teacher of the truth. She spent her life pointing others toward the wonderful promises found at Revelation 21:4, where we are assured that death, mourning, and pain will be no more.

While you may feel the pain of her absence now, you can take great comfort in the reality that Sister Wadleigh is simply sleeping, safe in the perfect memory of our Heavenly Father. We know that Jehovah is the God of all comfort, and he is "close to the brokenhearted," as promised at Psalm 34:18.

Soon, the "abundance of peace" Sister Wadleigh loved to share with others from Psalm 37:11 will be a reality. We look forward with you to the day when we can welcome her back to a beautiful, peaceful earth, where she can once again enjoy the handiwork of the Creator she served so loyally.

With warm Christian love,

Kevin Guillory, Jr.

Posted by Dan & Janette Block on March 9, 2026

Richard and Karen were beautiful Mt. Vernon neighbors and friends. We enjoyed going to their home for weekly Bible studies for many years. We also enjoyed playing cards together. Karen supplied our family with fresh eggs for as long as I can remember. Karen had many talents as a teacher and could make many healthy homemade dishes.
They have raised beautiful children and one lovely granddaughter that we all love very much.
Our deepest condolences to your family and friends. It will be wonderful to hug them both again in the promised resurrection. Sarah and Shawn you did a wonderful job taking care of her with respect and kindness. Much love to you. We will miss her very much as we do of your father Richard. 🧡🌹🌹
Dan & Janette Block Sioux Falls SD