Kari Jo Denlinger, 39

October 31, 2025

Kari Jo Denlinger, 39, passed away into the arms of Jesus with her family by her side. Born in Lancaster, she was the precious daughter of Ron and Joan (Weaver) Denlinger.

Kari was the longest known living survivor of a rare genetic disorder, RARS2. Kari was lovingly cared for by her parents her entire life. She was a wonderful big sister to her brothers.

Kari was a most persevering, patient, and selfless person. Part of a missionary family, she travelled many miles across the US, influencing many people to trust Jesus. Her family authored a book, “Joy in a Foreign Land,” to tell her story – joyinaforeignland.com.

Kari worshipped with her family at Calvary Church and was a valued member of the Shepherds class.

In addition to her parents Ron and Joan, Kari’s family includes her brother Jeremy Denlinger, husband of Sarah, and their children, Elia and Lucy Denlinger, her brother Matthew Denlinger, and her maternal grandfather Joseph Weaver, husband of the late Pauline (Burkholder), all of Lancaster. Kari was preceded in death by brother Ryan Denlinger and her paternal grandparents, Roy and Elverta (Groff) Denlinger.

A viewing will take place 9:30 to 10:45 am, followed by the funeral at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. Interment will be in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery on Friday at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution in Kari’s memory to the Clinic for Special Children, 20 Community Lane, Gordonville, PA 17529
Clinic for Special Children
or Joni&friends, 340 Highland Drive, Suite 200, Mountville, PA 17554.
Joni&friends