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Denise Kehn Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 1, 2025.

We are brokenhearted to announce the passing of Denise Kehn (Billhardt), who died on December 21, 2024, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at the age of 65. Born on June 8, 1959, in San Pedro, California, Denise lived a life marked by dedication to family, public service, and a deep compassion for others.

Denise devoted much of her professional life to serving the city of Garden Grove, California. She began her career at the Community Center before moving into the Recreation Department and ultimately concluding her tenure as a Records Specialist in the City Clerk's Department. Her work reflected her commitment to helping others and her exceptional interpersonal skills made her a valued colleague and friend throughout her years of service.

After retiring in 2018, Denise relocated to Georgia to be closer to family. In 2024, she moved once more-this time to North Dakota-to live closer to her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Her love for family was unwavering and central to everything she did.

Denise had a gift for forming meaningful connections with those around her. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and ability to make fast friends wherever she went. A lover of nature and animals, she found joy in simple pleasures and shared that joy freely with others.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Erika and Ross Lowery; her granddaughter, Kya; and her mother, Virginia Johnson. Also mourning her loss are her siblings: Diane Jackson (Ed), Don Billhardt (Kari), Cari Burich (Dex), and Andy Burich; along with many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and her cherished Kamikaze Cousins.

A celebration of life will be held in Georgia during the first week of May to honor Denise's memory and the beautiful spirit she shared with all who knew her.

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Christi Mendoza

July 7, 2025

Denise was my dear friend and almost like an extended family member/sister. We worked for the City of Garden Grove (CA) which is where we met. I was so happy for her when she retired to move to GA and be near her family and we stayed in touch despite the distance.

She adored her daughter and was always so proud of her..my G-d did she love her. I am especially thankful that, at such a emotional time, Erika found the strength and extreme kindness to reach out to let me know of her sudden passing. Very well done and thank you is hardly enough for how much it meant. Your mother is well represented in you.

Denise would share the time she had w/her granddaughter Aiya as precious and always a joy. And her son-in-law was, I know, a blessing to her cause she knew him to be devoted to her beloved daughter and their daughter. She said she could not have picked a better husband for her daughter. She even was delighted w/his parents and was grateful for them.

She was always so willing to help her mother and would give it her all no matter what the task. She would say there were some challenging moments but always say she loved her mom and that she'd never want any other mom than hers.

Last but NOT least. She was forever saying what an exceptional brother she had and what an amazing man he was. There simply was the strongest bond between them and I dare say he was always her hero.

I tell you, I am missing her so much. We never know how important a person will be in our life but I do know she was such a gift in mine. A beautiful soul and wonderful addition to all who knew her. Not just words but truth. G-d bless and comfort all who miss her. Let us all be a bit more kind and thereby honor her in the doing.