Denise Lynn Karlen

Denise Lynn Karlen, 70, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. She was born on November 23, 1955.

Denise was a graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, Class of 1975/1974. She continued her education at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where she earned a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1982. She dedicated many years of service as a receptionist with Karlen Insurance/Nationwide before becoming an agent with Erie Insurance.

She was an active member of the Tennerton Lions Club and the Buckhannon Choral Society. Denise was a Christian by faith and had a deep love for the Lord, her family, and her community. She enjoyed music, camping, shopping, dining out, and her family pets and animals. Known for her warm and outgoing personality, Denise was truly a social butterfly who touched many lives.

She is survived by her mother, Patricia M. Karlen; her sister, Lee Anne Karlen; and her brother, William "Billy" S. Karlen. She is also survived by her uncle Gayle and aunt Mary Demastes, along with cousins Susie, Vickie, and Cathy; cousins Natalie (Scheibelhoffer) Rowles, Tonya, Tommy, and Amanda Scheibelhoffer; and Aunt Loise Atkins, cousin Charice Atkins, all of Ohio and Chuckey Stewarts of PA.

In addition to her father, Belin S. Karlen, who passed away on June 27, 2004, she was preceded in death by her grandmother Stella Karlen of WV; grandmother Hellen Demastes; aunt Margaret Scheibelhoffer; cousins Kevin and Cindy Scheibelhoffer all of Ohio; aunt Nancy and Charles Stewarts; and cousins Jeffery (age 12) and Phillip Stewarts of Pennsylvania.

The family extends their heartfelt remembrance to all loved ones and friends-if any names have been unintentionally omitted, please know you are remembered as we walk down memory lane.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor J. Edward McDaniels officiating. Burial will take place at Upshur County Memorial Park in Tennerton, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers donations be made to, Shriners Children, St. Jude’s Children, Operation Smile, and Mercyship.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.polingstclair.com.

Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.