Karen L. Benner

Karen L. Benner passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, surrounded by those who mattered most to her. Karen was born on March 11, 1941, in Fredonia, North Dakota to Rueben and Ida Hoff Lehr. She spent her youth in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1959. She continued her studies at the University of North Dakota and completed her degree in three years receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with a home economics major and a minor in science. She continued her education at the University of Colorado - Boulder and secured her master’s degree in reading. Her formal education ended at the University of Colorado - Denver, where she was pursuing a Ph.D in school administration, curriculum and supervision.

Karen met George E. Benner, Jr. (“Buck”) in Grand Forks, and they dated while attending the University of North Dakota. They married in 1962 and moved to Denver where Buck attended law school and Karen started her career as a teacher. Karen and Buck moved to Meeker, Colorado in 1964 where Karen became of force of good for the students within the school district. She spent several years teaching fourth grade, but then felt her time, skill, and talents would be best directed toward helping kids maximize their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. She ended her career with the Meeker schools by serving as the school superintendent for twelve years. At all times, she was committed to her school kids, her peers, and the future of the school district. Unwilling to sit still after retirement, she began consulting with school districts throughout Colorado to help find improvements in operations, curriculum, and finances. Supporting education and an opportunity for an education for all kids was extremely important to her. She was a longtime member, leader and supporter of the P.E.O. organization which focuses on education for women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship.

Karen and Buck were married for 50 years until Buck’s unexpected passing in 2012. Buck and Karen are survived by their children, Krista, and Robert (Emily) Benner and their grandchildren, Andrew Benner, Stephen Benner, Thomas Benner, Jordan Healy, Lauren Healy, and Patrick Healy. Karen was an incredible grandmother and cherished every minute she had with them. She was great at planning adventures and events with the grands ranging from big trips to Alaska to things as simple as annual gatherings to bake Christmas cookies. 

After Buck passed, Karen was fortunate to meet and marry Dr. Howard Fisher in 2018. Karen and Howard had a shared love of music, reading, discussing politics and current events, playing bridge, and entertaining friends. Karen is also survived by Howard, his daughter Molly (Jeremy) Goldsmith, son Jonathan Fisher and his grandchildren Adam and Emily Goldsmith.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wellshire Presbyterian Church 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado on March 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of Karen’s life will occur in Meeker, CO at a date likely near the 4th of July.

Memorials are suggested to P.E.O. Sisterhood Colorado State Chapter, 1819 W. Cheyenne Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906; or coloradopeo.org.