Karen Parnitzke

Karen E. Parnitzke, 79, of 1717 Springwood Court in Sheboygan and a former longtime Kohler resident, entered eternal life with her Savior on Sunday morning, October 9, 2011 while at her home surrounded by her family. Karen was born on June 21, 1932, in Neenah, the daughter of the late George and Gertrude (Woeckner) Gehrke. As a young child, Karen was often photographed in many Kohler Co. plumbing advertisements. She was a gifted student and graduated with honors from Kohler High School in 1950. On April 4, 1953, she married Robert Parnitzke in Kohler. Karen worked in various positions at the Kohler Co. including assisting her husband, while employed here and in New Jersey and Texas. Karen also worked as an administrative assistant at the B. C. Ziegler Co. in Sheboygan for over twelve years. Karen was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kohler and volunteered there in numerous capacities. First and foremost, Karen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She cherished her friends and family and took the time to be helpful and encouraging; always maintaining a positive spirit. She sent many greeting cards and made phone calls to her church family and friends for birthdays and other occasions. She enjoyed scrapbooking, photography, gardening, bowling, golf, traveling, cooking, shopping, playing piano, music and watching her favorite TV shows. Karen was a gifted writer. Her family will miss her sense of humor, strength and determination. Karen is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert of Sheboygan; two daughters, Susan (Dean) Voskuil of Cedar Grove and Lisa (John) Leadholm of Cambridge; five grandchildren, Kelly (Travis) Soerens, Brittany (Josh) Posthuma, Cary Voskuil, Shane and Cole Leadholm; five great grandchildren, Jenna, Lucy, and Easton Soerens, Ryan and Reese Posthuma; two sisters, Julie (Glen) Schuman of Kohler and Gretchen (Charles) Hemenway of Lake Mills; one brother-in-law, Gordon (Lois) Parnitzke of Eagle River and one sister-in-law, Elaine Parnitzke of Oneida. Karen is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral to celebrate Karen's life will be held at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Kohler on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at Noon with the Rev. Robert Steele officiating. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler. Friends may greet the family at Bethany Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 9:30 am until the time of the service at Noon. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com A memorial fund is being established in her memory for Bethany Lutheran Church and the St. Nicholas Home Health Care and Hospice. The Parnitzke family would like to extend their appreciation to the fine staff of the St. Nicholas Home Health Care and Hospice, and to Rosie, for the loving and dedicated care given to Karen and their family. The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Parnitzke family.Reception:Bethany Lutheran Church222 Church StreetKohler, WI 53044

Visitation

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
222 Church Street Kohler 53044, United States

Service

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 12:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
222 Church Street Kohler 53044, United States