June 15,1950 – September 25, 2023
Our dear mother Karen Lee Knight sadly passed away on September 25, 2023 at the age of 73 surrounded by loved ones.
Karen was born to Donald and Verlyn (Tingle) Steichen and raised on a farm near Lane, SD.
Karen met Merle at a Lane Ballroom dance and it was love at first sight. Karen and Merle married on August 1, 1969 in Woonsocket, SD. They moved to Huron, SD to build their lives together and had two children, Chad and Cory. Karen was a devoted wife and mother who brightened the lives of others with her smile, laughter and kindness. She enjoyed the outdoors including camping, boating and spending time with her family at their cabin on Lake Byron.
In 2013, Karen and Merle moved to Spearfish, SD to enjoy retirement and be closer to their children. They loved taking daily walks together, visiting with friends at coffee shops and truly loved live music and dancing. Karen and Merle especially enjoyed Spearfish Canyon Acoustic Series held at the city park during the summer.
She spent her last year living near her family in both Spearfish, SD and Denver, CO. Karen was predeceased by her parents Donald and Verlyn Steichen. She is survived by her husband Merle Knight, son Chad Knight, daughterin- law Mandy (Singh-Lapp) Knight, son Cory Knight, daughter-in-law Robin Rozum, granddaughter Nola Knight, sister Cheryl (Steichen) Pierce, brotherin- law Ken Pierce and nephew Brec Pierce. She is also survived by many other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
The Knight Family would like to thank family and friends for the love, support and prayers during this time.
There will be a cremation and a celebration of life with immediate family.
In lieu of flowers and a service, the family wishes memorial contributions to assist in building of a new band shell stage at Spearfish City Park.
You can mail donations directly and payable to: Cory Knight 1601 Oneida St.
Denver, CO 80220 Or send electronically through Venmo at: https://account.venmo. com/u/Cory-Knight-4. All contributions will be forwarded to *Spread the Tunes. Contributions are tax deductible for Spread the Tunes, Inc., EIN 474115524.
*Spread the Tunes, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of Spearfish, South Dakota. Their mission is to raise funds and awareness for local groups in need through community music events!
