Karen Senia Kohler, age 60, of Racine, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie under the care of Hospice Alliance.

Born on December 29, 1955, in Wakefield, MI, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Senia (Sironen) Keski. She lived in Wakefield until she was 8 years old when her family moved to Illinois. She was educated in Illinois and was a 1974 graduate of Waukegan Township High School.

In August of 1974, she was united in marriage to Bob Kohler. They were blessed with two children before that marriage dissolved. Bob preceded her in death in 2014. She lived the rest of her life in northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin.

Karen was employed for many years with Abbott Labs and at the time of her passing, was employed as a cook with the Zion Elementary School District.

She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Racine. Her strong faith in God was the foundation of her life. She found comfort and spiritual growth in daily devotions, group Bible study and lively discussions of faith. A loving and faithful servant of God, Karen shared her time and talents generously. She made friends everywhere she went, including a written friendship with Jimmy Carter after visiting his farm and attending his Sunday school class whenever she visited Georgia. Karen loved to travel, domestic and abroad, making two trips to Europe but truly cherished the time she spent with her immediate and extended family.

She will be deeply missed by her two children, Carrie (Kevin) Pietschman, Robert J. Kohler; a sister, Cathy (Patrick) Grams; a brother, Kevin (Mary Ann) Keski and three grandchildren, Bridget, Jolie and William Pietschman.

Service Info

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3350 Lathrop Avenue, Racine. Inurnment will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 12:00 Noon in Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, MI.