Karen Diane Biehl

March 13, 1941 - October 30, 2026

Karen Diane Biehl, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Oct. 30, 2026, in Englewood, Florida, where she had spent her winters for many years.

Born on March 13, 1941, at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, Karen was the daughter of Alma and Shirley (Moser) Ryder. She lived in Center Line until moving to Mancelona when she was in kindergarten. She grew up in Mancelona and graduated from Mancelona High School. She later earned an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College and continued her studies at Central Michigan University, reflecting her lifelong love of learning.

Karen and Jerry’s love story began in the fifth grade, when she invited him to a party. They dated only each other and married in 1958, truly the loves of each other’s lives. Since the 1960s, Karen helped Jerry in the real estate business. Karen and Jerry began wintering in Florida in 1978. They divided their time between their home on Torch Lake and Englewood, enjoying the company of many friends and family.

Family was the center of Karen’s life. She loved her family deeply and taught them to love one another. She enjoyed attending her children’s events, taking photographs, and sharing pictures with the local newspaper. Her love of photography helped preserve the moments and memories her family treasures.

Karen also enjoyed painting, and her children and grandchildren proudly display her artwork in their homes. She loved playing the piano, tending her flower gardens, playing tennis with her longtime best friends, and kayaking on Torch Lake with her family. Her strong faith brought her comfort in the promise of a peaceful, happy future.

Karen was preceded in death by her son, Jerry R. Biehl; her brother, Donald Ryder; and her parents, Shirley and Alma Ryder.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry Biehl; her children, Jacquelyn (Bryan) Ritt of Alden, Michigan, Daniel (Renee) Biehl of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tammy Biehl of Englewood, Florida, and Annette (Jeffry) McMullen of Elk Rapids, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held in the spring. Her family will carry her love with them and honor the lesson she taught them: to love one another.