Carol J Courneene

Carol June Courneene, 87, passed away on April 6, 2024, in Neenah, WI, She was born in Shingleton, Michigan to Carl and Eva Howard. 

Carol was a devoted educator and advocate for youth, whose life was a testament to unwavering dedication and compassion. Carol's journey was marked by a profound commitment to nurturing young minds and shaping the futures of countless students. She graduated from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI, bringing her passion for education to the Escanaba Area School District for over three decades. She met the love of her life, William Courneene, on the baseball field and together they raised five strong and independent daughters.

Carol's impact extended far beyond the classroom as she held a variety of coaching positions including high school girls varsity basketball and golf as well as junior high basketball and track. Her tenure as a high school varsity golf coach included five UP State championships. Carol was instrumental in creating and developing the Junior Miss Summer Softball Program for the city of Escanaba, where she led a 17U team to a first time ever state qualification achieving a 3rd place finish in the state of Michigan. Carol continued to substitute teach and taught physical education classes for Bay De Noc Community College in Escanaba in her retirement.
 
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol found joy in numerous hobbies and interests. An avid golfer with a competitive spirit, she cherished leisurely walks around Ludington Park and the beach. Her love for the outdoors was only matched by her talent as an accomplished pianist. In moments of leisure, Carol delighted in the company of friends while playing mahjong and bridge.
 
Carol is survived by her loving daughters Cindy Montgomery, Kathleen Ahee, Jeanne (Linda) Courneene, Sandra (Pat) Johnson, Wendy (John) Walton, grandchildren Sarah (Jon) Lauersdorf, Adrienne (Zach) Nienow, Allison (Nathan) Luzwick, Parker (Kyara) Ahee, Samantha (Austin) Beaupre, Patrick Montgomery, Carleigh Johnson, Tanner Johnson, Kendra Walton, Casey Walton, Eva Johnson and nine great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, brothers Arvid and Jack Reiter and sister Verna DuVall.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Haley Station, 1837 Third Avenue North in Escanaba, MI 49829.

Carol’s daughters would like to thank the team at Care Partners in Neenah for all their love and support as well as the Bristol Hospice Team. 

Carol will be deeply missed yet fondly remembered for her unwavering kindness, relentless dedication to youth advocacy, and profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.