Obituaries & Guestbook

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Kober, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, on November 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 11th, 1945, in Sheboygan, Karen was a true Southside girl who brought light, laughter, and kindness to everyone she met. A proud graduate of South High School, Class of 1963, where she met the love of her life, Jimmy. They were married on June 19th, 1965.

Karen spent her early years babysitting, working at One Hour Martinizing, and Lakeland Manufacturing before devoting herself to raising her three boys. Later, she found fulfillment working at Kohler and then with the Sheboygan Area School District, where she became a fixture at South High School and its many recreational activities. After retirement, many local organizations benefited from her presence and time. She was a true Southside institution, knowing every face, every name, and every story in town.

Karen loved life’s simple joys and little luxuries. Whether it was a Diet Coke from McDonald’s, playing cards at local establishments, or dining at one of Sheboygan County’s many restaurants, Karen embraced every moment. Her glovebox always had salt, her wardrobe sparkled with pink, and her spirit was always a little fancy. She adored her grandchildren, Emma and Kyle and loved her granddogs, along with her countless friends, who were like family to her.

A woman of unwavering faith, Karen was a longtime member of St. Paul’s UCC, where she found comfort and community. Her love of music was as timeless as her personality, with Daniel O’Donnell, Kenny Rogers, and the Rat Pack topping her playlists. She even met Sammy Davis Jr. in Vegas, a memory she cherished.

Karen was the glue of our family, our princess, and our biggest cheerleader. Her unyielding fight, extreme resilience, and unwavering courage inspired all of us. She traveled to the ends of the earth to be with her loved ones, including a private jet ride to Tahoe, always with a joyful smile and a kind heart.

Karen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy; her brother, Roger; and her parents, Amanda, Edwin, and Lillian. She is survived by her three sons, Craig, Kevin (Kim), and Kurt (Abby), her beautiful grandchildren, Emma and Kyle, as well as her sisters-in-law Joyce Wagner and Joan Boston, and many cherished extended family members, you know who you are.

A celebration of Karen’s life will take place on Friday, November 22nd at St. Paul’s UCC at 2114 Wedemeyer St in Sheboygan, with a visitation from 9:00am to 12:00pm and service to follow at 12:00pm. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Sharon Richardson Hospice and Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund in Karen’s honor.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Embrace Care Management, the team at Sheboygan Blood and Cancer Specialists, Theresa Bronsan Schueler, Dr. Michael Johnson, and Eileen, Dave, Barb, Jack, Barb, Kelly, Greg, Kim, and Bob for their extraordinary care and compassion.

Karen’s legacy of kindness, joy, and unshakable faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As she often reminded us, “Life is about the people you love and the memories you make,” and we are so grateful for every moment we shared with her.

Rest in peace, Mom. You will always be our princess.