Karen Joan Chisum

Karen Joan Chisum, 68, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on June 30, 2025 in Henderson.

Karen was born in Anaheim, California to Chuck and Midge Ziegenhagen on March 11, 1957 with the family moving to Buena Park within a few years.

Karen spent her childhood enjoying her five siblings and numerous family and friends highlighted by summers spent on the beaches of Southern California. She graduated Savanah High School in 1975.

Not too long after, Karen moved to San Carlos, California after meeting Randy Chisum at the Canyon Inn in Redwood City. They married in 1979 and welcomed daughters Angie in 1981 and Meghan in 1983. She adored her family and often could be found on a softball field either as a player or a parent. She also enjoyed playing volleyball and was quite competitive during marathon game nights with friends and family. She took pleasure in taking her girls to the beach and most any activity that came along. Karen returned to Southern California numerous times a year to visit family and friends.

Karen was a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed many live concerts including Rod Stewart, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks and Elton John.

In 1995 the family moved to Henderson Nevada now spending weekends boating on the lake and enjoying new friends, with more family members moving to the area soon after. In 1999 Karen became a grandmother, absolutely her favorite role in life – her six grandchildren completed her. Despite divorcing in the early 2000’s Karen and Randy remained good friends until his passing.

In 2000 Karen began her cancer journey, fighting to continue to have a life filled with family, friends and fun. She loved her travels, especially those with her cousin group of Emily, Nicki and Dennis, immensely. Time spent with family and friends was precious to Karen. After many years cancer free, the beast returned during Covid, but Karen continued to fight. Living with Meghan’s family and her grandson Tyler gave Karen joy on a daily basis, and Meghan could not have been a better caretaker.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Marjorie Ziegenhagen, her sister Theresa Larson and Randy Chisum.

She is survived by daughters Angie (Marc Balgemann) and Meghan (Charles King) Chisum.
Grandchildren Tyler, Kylee, Ryleigh, Cheyenne, Ajay, and Brayden.
Siblings Jan (Randy) Carr, Meg Ziegenhagen, Becky (Greg) Fowler and Chuck (Wendy) Ziegenhagen.
Aunts Joan McKay-Yonkman and Mary Lee Kleier
And many, many cousins and friends she so deeply loved.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 1pm at the home of her daughter Meghan
1008 Painted Daisy Avenue Henderson, Nevada 89074