Karen K. Tangeman

Karen Kay (Guy) Tangeman was born in Deer Trail Colorado on February 9th, 1950, to Loren (Jake) and Imogene (Greenstreet) Guy. Karen went home to be with the Lord on December 27th, 2025 with her children by her side.

Karen was part of a pioneering family on the I-70 Corridor; born in Deer Trail, living in Leader, grade school in Bennett, moving to and graduating from Strasburg in 1968.

Karen married Lee Tangeman on October 24th, 1970 when they eloped to Las Vegas. In May 1986 Latisha Ann was born, and Patrick Lynn was born in March 1988. In October 2013, Karen was promoted to “Grandma Karen” when the neighbors had a son, Jaxon Wilbur.

Karen was well known across the corridor for her service and faithfulness to many organizations in which several she served as treasurer and/or secretary. Karen served on the Comanche Crossing Historical Society, Hometown Days Committee, Old Timers Association, and the Strasburg Food Bank before it closed.

She was organist or pianist at many weddings and funerals along with playing with her sister Kathy for years at both Strasburg Presbyterian Church and Byers Community Church. Karen was an ordained elder serving both Strasburg and Byers churches, and the choir director along with organist and pianist at Byers Community Church.

Karen worked for 30+ years at IREA before retiring in 2012 and was known as “The REA Lady” reading meters in the small towns with great stories to share.

She is survived by her 2 children, Latisha and Patrick. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Bernard Rarick, several nieces and nephews, many cousins, and her “baby” Jaxon Wilbur.

Karen is proceeded in death by her husband Lee of 53 years, her parents, Jake and Imogene Guy, her sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Chuck Owens, her brother and sister-in-law Lynn and Laurel Tangeman, sister-in-law Sandy Rarick, and sister and brother-in-law Sue and John Jones.

Family graveside services were held January 5th, 2026 on the 2-year anniversary passing of Lee. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

Byers Community Church

Comanche Crossing Historical Society

Old Timers Association

Strasburg Hometown Days

Contributions can be sent to PO Box 532 Strasburg CO 80136.