Karen Plonke

Karen was born in Marinette, Wis., on Feb. 26, 1945, to the late Ervin and Margaret (Yunke) Limberg. She was raised in Peshtigo, Wis.

At the early age of 16, Karen survived a brain tumor that was thought to be inoperable. Despite early challenges, Karen later moved to Niagara, to teach second grade. It was there that she was introduced to her lifelong love, Arnold Plonke. On May 10, 1968, they were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Peshtigo. Together they raised three daughters. Karen was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway, and poured a lot of her time into running their Sunday school program for several years.

Karen was dedicated to her family. She enjoyed spending time traveling, caring for her house plants and flower garden, embroidering, solving crossword puzzles, and Sudoku. She was known for a couple of her baking and cooking recipes. Karen’s favorite was her lemon meringue pie, but her daughters preferred her potato salad and pumpkin pie. Karen will be remembered for her deep religious faith and how it guided her and provided her comfort throughout her life — especially in hard times.

Karen will be deeply missed by her husband of 58 years, Arnold Plonke; three daughters, Sara (Shawn) Connis, Dawn (Neil) Johnson, and Debbie (Darrin) Mitchem; four grandchildren, Kyle (Lorraine) Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Dustin Connis, and Rowan Connis; two great-grandchildren, Quintin Johnson and Lumen Johnson; and many other family and friends.

Per Karen’s wishes, no services will be held. Burial will be in the Niagara Cemetery, with Father Joe Dorner officiating at the committal.

Karen’s family would like to thank the staffs of Evergreen Meadows, for giving her a home and Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson for their compassionate care.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Karen Margaret Plonke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.