TULARE –– Karlene Kay (Lehman) Stellmacher, 77, of Tulare, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Avantara Huron in Huron.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. Her prayer service and time of sharing will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Due to remodeling at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Karlene’s funeral service will be held at the Tulare United Church in Tulare. Her funeral will start at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, with Pastor Joy Proper officiating. Her committal service will follow at the Tulare Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will then be in the church hall.
Karlene was born on March 2, 1949, in Watertown, to Russell and Verla (Cole) Lehman. She was the oldest of 3 children. She attended school in Watertown, graduating from high school in 1967. She also attended Dakota State University.
On October 2, 1970, she married Gene Stellmacher in Watertown, and to this union four daughters were born. Karlene worked at several places in Redfield, including the South Dakota Developmental Center, Beverly Healthcare, Lakeside Assisted Living, and ALCO.
Karlene was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Redfield, where she was active with Sunday school, quilting, and circle. She was also a member of the Tulare Lions.
Karlene enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. She also enjoyed camping, sewing, crocheting, and baking.
Karlene is survived by her husband Gene of Tulare; her daughters: Kerry (John) Doren of Tulare, Kelli Stellmacher of Huron, Karmen Weinzirl of Tulare and Kasey (Josh) Nowell of Hitchcock; eight grandchildren: Cody (Mandy) Doren, Shawn (Tiffany) Doren, Alex (Courtney) Doren, Kinsey VanDerWerff, Kolby VanDerWerff, Danielle Nowell, Brendan Nowell and Tristan Nowell; one great grandchild: Emersyn Doren; and her brothers Davis (Heather) Lehman of Rowlett, Texas, and Kevin Lehman of Philadelphia, Pa. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Both the prayer service and funeral service will be live-streamed through a link on the funeral home’s website below Karlene’s obituary. Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.hykefuneralhome.com
Leave a Reply