Karen Kelly

Karen Kelly was born into eternal life on January 21, 2025 surrounded by her two daughters who loved her dearly. She was the daughter of Marvin TeWinkel and Gladys (Voss) Schleunes born on February 4, 1943. After Marvin's death in World War II in 1945, Karen was raised by another loving father, Merlin Schleunes. Karen loved living in her childhood rural Sheboygan County home surrounded by her family, including siblings Linda, Jane, and Mark. She also lived near her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Karen went to a one room school house, Maple Corner School, until 8th grade. She graduated the Salutatorian of Kiel High School in 1961. Karen played in the school band, and made lifelong friends Beth Johnson, Barbara Pahr, Ramona Otteman, and Rochelle Salzman. Their gatherings brought Karen great joy. Karen was also a foreign exchange student, keeping in contact with her exchange family in Denmark for many years.

Karen graduated in 1965 from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She taught high school level German classes. It was in Oconomowoc, WI, where she met her husband, Donald Kelly. They married in 1967 and enjoyed their life together until his passing in 2011.

Karen earned her Associates Degree in Accounting from North-Central Technical College. She was a hard-working employee of Graebel Companies for 25 years. Karen loved spending vacations up north with her extended family. Karen also was a fan of NASCAR, the Brewers, the Packers and of course, her alma mater, the Wisconsin Badgers.

Karen was a member of Peace United Church of Christ for over 45 years. She was a woman of strong faith, and she instilled that in her family. Karen was a thoughtful person, always sending out cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and to those who were ill. 

Her greatest joy was being a grandmother. She loved her grandchildren. Her social calendar was filled with dance recitals, soccer games, baseball games, honor society programs, Grandparents Day celebrations, concerts, church programs, and curling matches. She baked wonderful treats for her family. 

Karen is survived by both her daughters Kristin (Michael) Vraney of Weston, WI, and Kimberly (Rick) Borchardt, of Wausau, WI. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alexandra (Rico) Arellano of Denver, CO; Ashley Borchardt of Wausau, WI; Chase (Alexis) Borchardt of Eau Claire, WI; and William Vraney of Madison, WI. She is also survived by her sisters Jane (Lloyd) Stolzmann, Linda Schleunes, and Mark Schleunes, all of Kiel, WI. Karen is also survived by her special nieces Becky (Jason) Litwaitis, and Amy (Tony) Thrasher, and her dear friends, Rochelle Salzman, and Ramona Otteman.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kelly; and her parents, Merlin and Gladys Schleunes, and Marvin TeWinkel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Peace United Church of Christ (1530 Grand Ave, Schofield, WI 54476). The Reverend David Barber will officiate.

Visitation will be held on January 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM until the hour of service at the church. Private burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to either Peace United Church of Christ, 1530 Grand Ave. Schofield, WI 54476 or St. John's Lutheran Church 16923 County Road Z, Wausau, WI 54403. The family wishes to thank all those who sent Karen cards these last few months. It brought her great joy to know she was remembered by so many.