<p>Karen Ann Koeser, 82, of Manitowoc, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025. </p><p>Karen was born on March 7, 1942, in Manitowoc, daughter to the late Marion (Kohlbeck) and Edward Lenz. Karen attended Lincoln High School, where she met Gary Bonk. In 1960, they were married and then traveled around the state of Wisconsin owning and operating a carnival, Bonk’s Amusements. Together they had five children, Gay (Ismael) Acevedo-Clintonville, Joy Bonk-Reedsville, Tony (Sue) Bonk-Crivitz, Janice Schiesl-Manitowoc, and Jill Bonk-Green Bay. </p><p>As her children grew and left home, Karen began work as a cook and bartender. She was the head cook at Q Country Inn and Hilltop Haven and she tended bar at D & G’s and Devil’s Den in Francis Creek. </p><p>In 1995, she married Dale Koeser and they resided in Maribel. They discovered they both had a passion for wood working and creating pieces that they sold at vendor and craft shows around Manitowoc. In 2000, they opened Accents-N-Spice Gift and Craft Shop. 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. Karen was a talented artist and enjoyed decorating and painting wood craft items until her death. Karen also enjoyed and collected Precious Moments figurines for most of her life. </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. 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. </p><p>Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dale Koeser. </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. We are also grateful to the many friends she had throughout her life. </p><p>A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a future date. </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
1 Tree has been planted in memory of Karen Koeser.