Karen Jean Stuewer Kinyon was born on March 10, 1943, to Raymond and Adeline Baatz Stuewer at the Oconto Falls Hospital. She grew up with her sister, Pat (Patricia), and brother (Richard) Dick in Suring, Wisconsin. It was time of playing baseball with neighborhood children on the road that ended in front of her childhood home, time in woods beside and behind her home, babysitting and making a circus and hanging from a trapeze in a neighborhood garage for mothers to enjoy.

There were so many things to be happy for in her lifetime. Learning was always a part of her life and later planning adventures for herself, children and grandchildren. Karen received her BS and MS from Wisconsin State University at Oshkosh (fourth in her high school graduating class, graduated magna cum laude and straight A's in graduate work). All her endeavors were not undertaken for personal acclaim but wanting to gain more knowledge. She was teased by some friends as always ready with a lesson about something. She had a sense of appreciation and striving for accomplishing a task at a high level of achievement. She received three different Fulbright Grants that took her twice to Japan first as learner, and then for a summer as part of Master Teacher program; and once for a summer in Russia.

Striving to be the best that she could be as daughter, student, wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother and teacher was always part of her efforts. She loved every day that she spent with her children and students, and loved adventures with her children and later grandchildren, Jovani and Addie; and visiting all continents with her husband Harold, with the exception of Australia.

She is survived by her children, Kate and Karl; grandchildren, Kamryn, Jovani and Addie; a sister, Pat and her husband Jim; a brother, Dick; a sister-in -law, Ellie; brothers-in-law Bert, and Larry and his wife Suzanne; Blue Bird Friends Liz and Robin; and Friday Friends Lynn, Linda, Andie, Jill, Bonnie, and Jacqui that helped her navigate the challenges of life – and laugh. Also surviving in Japan are respected friends Chiba and his wife. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Harold; a brother-in-law, Jim; and a sister-in-law Kathy. A special thank you to her neighbor, Tim whom made it possible for Karen to stay in her home, Bruce Hanstedt that seamed her connection to Harold, and extra special hugs for Robin Bryant-Stoeger.

Karen was known by many names during her lifetime: her family name of "Dodie" given to her by her little brother; "Wife" to Harold, "Mom" to Kate and Karl; "Ahma," a name given to her by her beloved grandson Jovani and also used by her beloved granddaughter Addie, and "Mrs. Kinyon" to her many first and second graders. It is her hope that the knowledge and skills that she shared with her family, other teachers, friends, and her students will continue on.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Andy Wendle. A reception will be held after the service at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, just to the south of the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Cemetery in Suring, WI on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to First Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

To view a video recording of Karen's funeral service, please click the following link: https://youtu.be/g8k3L-aJxng