Karen Ann Koeser

Memorial trees planted for:

Karen Ann Koeser

<p>Karen Ann Koeser, 82, of Manitowoc, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025.&nbsp; </p><p>Karen was born on March 7, 1942, in Manitowoc, daughter to the late Marion (Kohlbeck) and Edward Lenz.&nbsp; Karen attended Lincoln High School, where she met Gary Bonk.&nbsp; In 1960, they were married and then traveled around the state of Wisconsin owning and operating a carnival, Bonk’s Amusements.&nbsp; Together they had five children, Gay (Ismael) Acevedo-Clintonville, Joy Bonk-Reedsville, Tony (Sue) Bonk-Crivitz, Janice Schiesl-Manitowoc, and Jill Bonk-Green Bay.&nbsp; </p><p>As her children grew and left home, Karen began work as a cook and bartender.&nbsp; She was the head cook at Q Country Inn and Hilltop Haven and she tended bar at D &amp; G’s and Devil’s Den in Francis Creek.&nbsp; </p><p>In 1995, she married Dale Koeser and they resided in Maribel.&nbsp; They discovered they both had a passion for wood working and creating pieces that they sold at vendor and craft shows around Manitowoc.&nbsp; In 2000, they opened Accents-N-Spice Gift and Craft Shop.&nbsp; Dale and Karen created many different types of wood craft items with Dale making many of the patterns from scratch and Karen painting and decorating the pieces.&nbsp; Karen was a talented artist and enjoyed decorating and painting wood craft items until her death.&nbsp; Karen also enjoyed and collected Precious Moments figurines for most of her life.&nbsp; </p><p>Karen is survived by her five children, step-daughters Kim Koeser and Kandy (Brian) Gosz and special step-daughter Brenda Koeser-all of Francis Creek.&nbsp; Karen is further survived by 8 grandchildren; Stephanie (Jose) Bonk, Amy (Allen) Acosta, Amanda Bonk, Brianna (Bernie) Larkee, Amber (Jarred) Orlando, Dakota (Andrew) Hynek, Alexis Acevedo, and Em Acevedo; 3 step grandchildren; Kayla (Tyler) Loeh, Lane (Allie) Gosz, and Shiloh (Connor) Frank; 16 great grandchildren; one brother Ed Lenz of Sheboygan; and nephew Russ Schmitz.&nbsp; </p><p>Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dale Koeser.&nbsp; </p><p>Karen’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to their mom’s special friend and companion, Ron (Smiley) Haen, who took extra special care of Karen in the final years of her life.&nbsp; We are also grateful to the many friends she had throughout her life.&nbsp; </p><p>A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a future date.&nbsp; </p><p>Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com </p><p>The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements. </p>
March 7, 1942 - February 2, 202503/07/194202/02/2025
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Karen Ann Koeser
Karen Ann Koeser
1 Tree has been planted in memory of Karen Koeser.

Memorial Trees

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The staff at Pfeffer Funeral Home

February 05, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Karen Ann Koeser has been arranged by The staff at Pfeffer Funeral Home. Plant a tree
We plant this tree as a living memorial to Karen. We are deeply sorry for your loss.