Karen Garver Lebahn, 76, of Helena, MT passed away on July 19, 2018 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband Sid Lebahn of Helena MT, her brothers Rick Hausman of San Diego, CA and Lee Hausman of Falls Church, VA, her children Tanya and Tim Younce of OH, Tom and Nikki Garver of FL, Chris and Lisa Garver of TX and Kyra and Mark Cummins of VA as well as grandchildren Devon, AJ, Angus, Lauren, Julia, Michael, Amanda, Eden, Jay and Tyler. She is also survived by her step children Dawn Marie Lebahn Harrell of AZ , Kitty Lebahn Griffin and Jeff Griffin of MT, Robert and Dawn Lebahn of MT. She will be greatly missed by her step grandchildren Andre, Mathieu, Marissa, Elizabeth and David.
Karen was born in CA on July 30, 1941. She graduated from Butler University where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and received her Masters Degree in Bilingual Education from Georgetown University. She worked at the National Science Foundation, OAS, ANADAC, and was an ESL teacher for Francis Scott Key Elementary School and Carlin Springs Elementary School in Arlington, VA. She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, where she attended many Cursillo retreats and was a member of the Christian Family Movement. In Fredericksburg, VA she was a member of St. Mary’s as well as St. Francis of Assisi. She was a founding member of the Fredericksburg Festival of the the Arts, the President of the Virginia chapter of the Christian Family Movement and a member of the Fredericksburg Adult Theatre Company. After retiring she remarried and moved with Sid Lebahn to Montana where she was a member of SS Cyril Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic minister.
She attended services with her husband at First Lutheran Church where she also served as lector. She was able to travel, watch the wildlife, learn to fish, enjoy the scenery, and even learned to bowl and enjoy a rodeo or two. She trusted Sid at the controls of single engine aircraft! Sid and Karen sang old tunes as they drove down the Montana highways and all through their life together.
Karen will always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know her for her kind heart, her generosity, her beautiful soul, her infectious smile, and her love of God.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St. in East Helena with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to SS Cyrils Catholic Church in East Helena, MT, First Lutheran Church and School in Helena MT, or St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Karen.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday July 23, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 24, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday July 24, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday July 23, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday July 24, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following Mass
Tuesday July 24, 2018
SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Roy & Karen says
Dear Sid and family,
We were saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. We know she is now with our Lord and Savior!
We rejoice and send you God’s love and peace.
Our sincere sympathy to you all,
Karen & Roy
Bev Hill says
Dear Sid and family:
I am so sorry to hear this news. Please accept my sympathy and my prayers for all of you. I’m so glad you had her these years Sid. I never got to know her but if you loved her she had to be pretty darn special.
Bev
Nita Muser says
So sorry ? for your loss! Praying for you all! Love you
Holly Skinner says
Kyra & Family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a beautiful person inside & out. I’m thankful I got to know her. I remember the kids birthday parties & the Christmas visits we shared. You now have an Angel watching over you. You all are in my prayers. Love you .
Maureen Zaloga says
Dear Uncle Sid,
I am truly sorry to hear about Karen . I know we had never met but I’m sure she was wonderful and I know she made you happy.
Please accept my sympathy and prayers.
Maureen (Dillon ) Zaloga
Rich & Rhonda Nolt says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all.
Betty Brewer says
Sid, my heart breaks for you all. Karen was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. She has the biggest smile and the most giving heart always. She was loved by so many and I know how much you loved her and treasured all your time together. My heart breaks for all of us left here on this earth but my heart is so full for happiness that she is in heaven and no longer in pain. She is flying with the angels and Jesus welcomed her into heaven with welcome arms. We were all blessed to know her and know we will see her again. Heavenly Father please be with Sid and all of his family and grant them eternal peace. I ask this in Jesus precious name Amen
Sandi Kimmet says
May the Lord of all comfort you now and in the days ahead. Sid, Greg always remembered you when he was able. Miss him still. May your shared memories help you in the coming days.
The Duncan's says
With Heartfelt Sympathy to the Lebahn Family,
May you rely on the God of all comfort to help you to endure the days ahead.
“God is our refuge and strength”
(Psalms 46:1)
Sheila Lebahn Clay says
Dear Sid and family! We are so sorry for your loss.
don and bev says
The Fedewa’s says
So sorry to hear your news.
May she rest in peace!
Don and Bev Fedewa
Kelly McNurlin says
Dawn, Rob, and family: so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Prayers for you all during this time. Hugs from an old friend! -Kelly Stanley-McNurlin
Elena says
We remember Karen as a lovely next door neighbor here in Fredericksburg and send our condolences to her beloved children and extended family.
Elena, Andrew,and Kevin
Susan Ryan says
Sid, Tom and I were neighbors of Karen and family years ago in Woodlawn in Fredericksburg, VA. We were blessed to attend your wedding and so happy that you two had found each other. We were so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing and send our thoughts and sympathy to you and the family.
Karen was a truly lovely woman and I
Carol Bridge says
I was sad to hear of Karens passing. It was an honor and privilege to be of service to both of you during her treatments. You are a wonderful couple and a joy to be around. Peace, love and healing to you and your family at this time. Carol Bridge Volunteer Cancer Treatment Center
Gail Nichols Cates says
I was fortunate enough to attend George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia. I have only good memories of her as one of those people who always seemed to have a smile on her face and who was kind to everyone. I never heard her utter a negative word about anyone and her “cligue” seemed to include the entire school. I so enjoyed renewing our friendship at our 50th reunion and watching her dance with classmates, including me! I am not surprised to read her obituary and see the wonderful causes she supported. Farewell to a lovely lady. Gail Nichols Cates, class of 1959, George Mason High School
Patricia Hedetniemi says
Dear Sid, and the children of both of you.
I was quite shocked to learn of Karen’s passing, but I know she put up a valiant fight to remain with us. I am equally sure that she would not have resisted going to her final resting place, knowing she would be with her Lord and Savior. She led a beautiful life on Earth, and she will now have a beautiful everlasting life. She will be missed by so many friends and family! My best to all of you.