Karen L. Henkell

Brighton resident, Karen L. Henkell, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2018, at her home in Inglenook at Brighton. Karen was born in Denver, Colorado, on October 2, 1953, to Arthur T. and M. Catherine “Kay” Henkell.

Karen was the youngest of three sisters raised by their parents in the University Hills neighborhood of southeast Denver. Karen attended neighborhood schools and was active in Girl Scouts and Job’s Daughters. Following her sophomore year at Denver's Thomas Jefferson High School, Karen moved with her parents to Beaumont, Texas. At Beaumont’s Forest Park High School, Karen was welcomed into the Texas tradition of competitive girls' drill teams, as a member of “Tro-janns. “

After high school graduation in 1971, Karen attended North Texas State University, in Denton, where she focused on art and drafting. After college, she returned to Colorado, where she began a lifetime career in the container and packaging industry. She settled in Westminster and later moved to Brighton. Karen was a “people person” which suited her perfectly in her position as Customer Service Representative for more than one company, including Colorado Container Corporation and Foam Fabricators. Her longest tenure was at Packaging Corporation of America, where she worked in both customer service and container design, until her retirement in 2011.

Some of Karen’s favorite pastimes, with friends, included pool, bowling and golf. She played for many years in the Gates Rubber Company “Guys and Dolls” golf league and enjoyed traveling the state with the group, playing a variety of challenging courses. Known to many as “Henk”, Karen loved traveling with friends and spending summer weekends at such places as Lake Powell, and more frequently, Lake Mc Conaughy in western Nebraska.

Although Karen had no children of her own, she cherished her nephews and niece, and all of their children. Family time with them was a highlight for Karen. She also had many pets through the years, who were treated as her “kids.” Karen’s most beloved companion of recent years, was her favorite Lhasa Apso, “Bibs”. They were fast friends and he was her best “therapy” during her years of failing health.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Kay Henkell. She is survived by sister Pat Chase and husband Jerry; sister Beverly Preston and husband Steve; nephew Justin Chase, wife Mary, and daughters, Maggie, Liz and Aidyn; nephew Ian Chase, and son, Logan; nephew Trevor Preston, wife Kim, daughter, Blair and son, Reid; niece Darcy Fuehrer, husband Neil and daughters, Laramie and Maren.

Karen “never knew a stranger” and will certainly be remembered and missed by a host of friends.

Arrangements will be handled by Tabor-Rice Funeral Home of Brighton, Colorado, with interment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Denver. At her request, Karen will be laid to rest at a private family gathering in the future.

Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to:

The American Lung Association, COPD Foundation or The Humane Society.

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