Karen J. Diehn

Obituary

Karen Jean Diehn was born on August 13, 1942, in Round Grove Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Arthur and Alma (Bielke) Duenow. Karen was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. She attended country school, then Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School and then Brownton High School.

On October 2, 1959, Karen was united in marriage to Eldon Diehn at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. After their marriage, the couple resided in Arlington and Fairfax. They were blessed with four children, Kathleen, Allen, Ricky, and Brian.

Karen and Eldon raised their family and owned and operated a dairy farm in New Auburn Township, in Sibley County, for over 25 years. Throughout her life, Karen was also employed at 3M, Green Giant, and Telex, before spending about 15 years as a blackjack dealer at Jackpot Junction. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and devoted homemaker. Karen and Eldon shared 66 years of marriage.
Karen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

Karen found great joy in gardening, canning, and traveling. She and Eldon enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Europe. She loved going on cruises, including one through the Panama Canal, and occasional trips to the casinos in Nevada and Minnesota. A devoted Minnesota Lynx fan, Karen especially enjoyed attending Lindsay Whalen’s final game with the Lynx.

She deeply cherished time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the years, she took great pride in attending their school events and activities.

Karen passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Bayside Manor in Gaylord, following a brief stay in hospice care. She was 83 years, 7 months, and 13 days old. Blessed be her memory.

Karen is survived by her:
Husband, Eldon Diehn of Fairfax, MN;
Children, Allen Diehn and his wife, Tammy of Arlington, MN, and
Brian Diehn and his wife, Julie of Arlington, MN;
Grandchildren, Jesse (Missy) Diehn, Fairfax, MN; Lytisha (Mike) Stien, Ceylon, MN; Bethany (Mike) Fiecke, Dassel, MN; Trevor (Ahna Miller) Diehn, Minneapolis, MN; and Kaili (Tiana) Diehn Blix, Minneapolis, MN;
Great-grandchildren, River (Morgan Thoele) Diehn, Brooklyn Diehn, Maddi Stien, Oakley Diehn, Lincoln Stien, and Cooper Fiecke;
Step great-grandchildren, Lili (Justin) Hodge, Michael Stien, Melody Exum, and Quinton Exum;
Sister, Gloria Meyer of New Ulm, MN;
Sister-in-law, Marlys (Jim Suedbeck) Telthoester of Gaylord, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her Parents, Arthur and Alma Duenow; Children, Kathleen Diehn and Ricky Diehn; Brothers, Gordon Duenow and Orville Duenow; Sisters and Brothers-In-Law, Eldora (Ervin) Paetzel, Ordella (Gordon) Hahn, Geraldine (Willard) Harbarth, LaVonne Duenow, and a sister in infancy; Brother-in-law, Roger Meyer; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Elroy and Arlene Diehn.