Karen Rencher

We sorrowfully share the news of the passing of Karen Halverson Rencher. She served gracefully and tirelessly as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. She was a source of love, strength, and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. The lessons she taught will continue to guide us.

Karen passed away on November 15, 2023, from complications due to an accidental head injury while working in her yard.

Karen was born on July 2, 1951, to the late Don and Dorothy Halverson. She is the third of six children. She spent her childhood in California, which solidified her love of the ocean. She attended Brigham Young University after graduating from high school early. Karen married Mark Burbidge Rencher on June 1,1974, in the Oakland, California LDS Temple.

After her husband graduated from BYU, Karen and Mark moved to Seattle, Washington, to continue his studies in family medicine. They then moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she lived for the rest of her life. Her focus and passion were her family and many friends, her activities supporting the United States Constitution through the Convention of States, her work as Board Member of Primary Children’s Hospital, and her service in the LDS temple. She enjoyed her service in the LDS church, and many were blessed through her love. Karen enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. She especially enjoyed vacations which included a beach. She loved spending time at the family cabin in Island Park, ID. She also enjoyed her many friends at Fit and Fall Proof.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Mark Rencher; and their eight children, Kevin (Marianne), Jarem (Trisha), Jenae, Janelle (Dave), Nathan (Whittney), Michelle (Adrian), Mindi (Bryan), and Kenny (Jess). They were further blessed with 27 grandchildren and are expecting their first great grandchild in a few weeks. She is also survived by her siblings, Michael (Sandy) Halverson, Christopher (Noreen) Halverson, and Mariann (Joseph) Ward.

We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating Karen’s life and sharing stories of the beautiful moments we shared with her. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Idaho Falls Blackhawk Ward, 7118 S. Ledge Rock Dr. The family will visit with friends and family from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. The burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery in Idaho Falls, ID.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her favorite charities: Primary Children’s Hospital and LDS Philanthropies.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com

The Rencher Family