Karen A. (Haupt) Kamke

Karen A. Kamke, age 82 of Manitowoc was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday evening May 3, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Karen was born February 26, 1941, at Holy Family Hospital, daughter of the late Myron and Hertha (Glaeser) Haupt. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1959. During High School she was a car hop at the Penguin. After graduation she worked at Mirro, Paragon Electric and in the kitchen at Northridge Care Center. Karen was engaged on Christmas Day to Harold “Hal” Kamke and was united in marriage at First German Ev. Lutheran Church on September 5, 1964, he preceded her in death on June 17, 2013. Later she worked as an administrative assistant at Hal’s office then worked at Wal-Mart both in Manitowoc and Mesa, AZ.

After her son Chad was born, she became very involved with the Spina Bifida Association. She organized several bowl-a-thon fundraisers for the association. She and Hal were avid Packer fans; they were members of the Packer fan club and were able to attend many home games. For 22 years they were blessed to be away from the cold WI winters and enjoyed their second home in Mesa, AZ. She had such a strong faith in God and read her devotions daily.  She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren playing card games. They will cherish the memories of their annual vacation with her in Eagle River. She enjoyed listening to live music, line dancing, and sharing a funny joke with anyone. Her great big smile, contagious laugh, and sense of humor will truly be missed by her family and friends in Manitowoc and AZ.

Survivors include her children: Dawn (Guy) LeClair, Manitowoc; Tammy (Phil) Dhein, Cleveland; and Chad Kamke, Manitowoc; grandchildren: Kristin (Stephen) Fleagle, Ryan LeClair, James Dhein, Joe Dhein; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law: Marlene Hagenow, Cedarburg and Linda (George) Tanner, Minocqua. She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband: Hal Kamke; her parents: Myron and Hertha Haupt; maternal parents: Lester and Beatrice (Wellever) Kamke and Bill Wellever; sisters and brothers-in-law: Elaine and Earl Lau, MaryAnn and Gene Hagenow, Lester Kamke; brothers and sisters-in-law: Arlie and Marlene Haupt, Glen and Ruby Haupt, Ione Haupt; baby siblings: Laverne and Larry Haupt; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday May 16, 2023, at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. Rev.’s Robert Kujawski and Stephen Melso will officiate with entombment of her cremated remains at Knollwood Mausoleum.  Relatives and friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 am until the time of services at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation be made in Karen’s name to Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church or Manitowoc Lutheran High School.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sharon Richardson Hospice especially Jeremy, Katie, Joe, Teri and Amy for the care and compassion shown towards mom and her family. They would also like to thank close friend, Sue Klinkner and Rose and Kris from RS Caring, LLC.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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