Karen Harden, Sioux Falls beautician for over 60 years, passed away on April 28th, 2026, with her family by her side. She was 83.

Karen Kirstine Harden was born November 15, 1942, in Denmark to Jacob and Anna (Skals) Iversen. She moved to the United States with her family in 1952 at the age of 9, and lived on a ranch in Murdo, SD. After several moves, she eventually ended up in Sioux Falls, where she graduated from Washington High School in 1961. During her senior year of high school, she also attended Stewart's School of Hair Styling, where she became a licensed beautician.

On September 24th, 1966, she was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Harden at First Lutheran Church. They bought their first home in Sioux Falls and raised two daughters. Karen owned and operated her home salon until a few years ago, when she retired. She also obtained her realtor's license and was employed by Century 21 for many years.

Karen was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church, where she was married, and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where she was a sponsor and guided others through their sobriety. She had recently received her 50-year sobriety token, which is not something commonly achieved. She was also committed to supporting St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Karen loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren's sports and activities. All holidays were spent at her house; everyone looked forward to her excellent cooking and baking. Her mornings always consisted of a very strong cup of coffee and a homemade bran muffin. Her hobbies included shopping, eating out, walking, reading, gardening, and crocheting. Karen had an incredible sense of humor, even in her later days when she wasn't feeling her best, she could still crack a joke.

Grateful for having shared her life are her two daughters and five grandchildren, Chantelle (Troy) Ponto and their children, Treyton, Camden, Chazlin, and Tanya (Darren) Tornow and their children, Brennan and Sheldon; a sister, Rita Blake; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob); parents, Jacob and Anna Iversen; an infant son, Dean; and two brothers, Svend and Kaj Iversen.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, May 7th, at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Avenue, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.