Karen Ann Bohannon

In Loving Memory of Karen Ann Bohannon (Halbach)
Sunrise: April 23, 1961 · Sunset: July 25, 2025
Karen Bohannon, age 64, of New Holstein, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 25, 2025 after nearly a four-year fight with cancer.
A devoted partner, mother, beloved sister, and cherished grandmother, Karen's life was a testament to love, kindness, and above all, family.
She was the devoted partner of Patrick Bohannon; loving mother to Allison (Anthony) Pape and Jessica Bohannon; sister to Judy (Al), Mary (Mike), Linda, Dennis (Iris), Mike (Priscilla), and Kim (Scott); and adoring grandmother to Josephine and Margaret. Karen poured her heart and soul into her family.
Karen enjoyed spending time reading all genres of books, watching classic films, having lunches with her friends, and watching Sunday afternoon Packer games from the couch in her living room with her two loyal French Brittany's named Jax and Merlin by her side. Most of all Karen enjoyed time with her family.
Karen held a particularly special bond with her two granddaughters Josie and Maggie, who affectionately named her "Eba.". Whether playing on the swing in their backyard, spending time with them at the family's Northwoods cabin on their pontoon or just sitting on the sand beach looking for stones, Karen cherished her time with Josie and Maggie. For Karen, more than anything else was the importance of creating lasting memories for Josie and Maggie! Whether at the lake, over holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, or the July 4th Karen's priority was time with "her babies". When they weren't together every evening ended with a phone call and their kiss goodnight.
Not only was she the heart and soul of her family-a bright light whose wisdom, humor, and encouragement left an enduring mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Karen is survived by her devoted partner, Patrick; her daughters, Allison and Jessica; her treasured granddaughters, Josie and Maggie; and her siblings, Judy Simon, Mary Lutzke, Dennis Halbach, and Kim Nielson. Her in laws; Margie (Al) Hartman, Bob (Terri) Bohannon, & Bill Kamper. She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVern and Margaret Halbach. Her siblings, Mike Halbach and Linda Ehnert, and her in laws; Robert & Angie Bohannon, & Mary dell Kamper.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 3, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540, United States. All are invited to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 4, at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60540.
There will also be a Memorial Visitation on Friday, September 5, 4:00-7:00 PM at Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Ave., New Holstein, WI 53061, United States. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 11:00 at Holy Rosary for Mass. 1724 Madison St, New Holstein, WI 53061, United States.
For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Karen's life, memorial donations may be directed to Aspirus Health Foundation, please note "Cancer Center- In Memory of Karen Bohannon" in the memo line and mail to: Aspirus Health Foundation, 333 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401.