Karen Lee

Karen Gayle Lee, 46, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Garden City, Idaho on Saturday, February 26, 2022.  Karen was born on June 5, 1975, in Jerome, Idaho to Randy Lee and Connie Misenhimer.

Karen was raised by Dee and Connie Misenhimer along with her sister, Kristen, and her brother, Brian. Although they were not raised together, Karen and her half-sister, Jill, were also very close, especially in the last several years.

When Karen was five years old, Connie married Dee Misenhimer. Karen and Dee had a very special relationship throughout her life. Karen attended elementary school in Twin Falls. When Karen was in middle school, Dee and Connie moved the family to Buhl, when they purchased Northland Cold Storage. Karen spent a lot of time at the shop growing up. She rodeoed, played softball, and participated in 4-H showing pigs. During high school, Karen worked as a cashier at Green Giant. Being fluent in Spanish, Karen was able to help many of the customers who came into the business. Karen graduated from Buhl High School in 1993. After high school, she attended the College of Southern Idaho for a short time before transferring to Idaho State University to study Cosmetology. Karen ultimately returned to Twin Falls to complete her certification at Mr. Juan's Beauty College of Hair Design. She would continue to be a hair stylist for over 25 years where she made many friends.

Karen married Joshua Gianchetta on January 20, 1995, in Pocatello, Idaho. Together they had three children: Tyson Joshua, Chloe Jo, and Allison Marie. Karen and Josh later divorced. Karen loved being a mom. She attended all of her children’s games and activities. The kids were involved in many activities from motorcycle racing to karate and tap dancing, but Karen's favorite was softball. She took the kids to many tournaments and also played on co-ed teams when her children were young.

Another passion of Karen's was playing poker. She loved to play and was very good at it! Her favorite hand was a queen and a 10 of hearts. Karen was extremely artistic, and it showed in many ways from the designs she created on nails to how she decorated her house. She had a great sense of humor and was the life of the party with her laugh!

Karen was preceded in death by her mom, Connie; dad, Randy; and stepmom, Renae; as well as, her Aunt Fran; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Karen is survived by her stepdad, Dee of Filer, Idaho; her kids, Tyson of Twin Falls, Idaho; Chloe of Boise, Idaho;  and Allison of Twin Falls, Idaho; she is also survived by her sisters, Kristen Goodwin of Richardson, Texas; Jill (Tito) Holloway of Boise, Idaho; and her brother, Brian (Christie) Lee of Burnet, Texas; her four step-sisters; a step-brother; and her dog, Stella; along with many nieces and nephews; three great-nephews; and a great-niece whom she adored.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave North, Buhl. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1701 Poplar St. Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Karen’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.