Karen Ida Stuyvenberg

Karen “Nonny” Ida Stuyvenberg, age 84, passed away on December 20, 2024, following a brief illness. She was born on March 18, 1940, to Mark and Lory (Boegel) Grafmeier in Kaukauna. Her youth was spent in Kaukauna where she discovered a love for horses which resulted in a special bond with her own horse Queenie. Following graduation from Kaukauna High School she went on to attend college at UW Oshkosh where she earned her BA in Education. In 1964, she married Gerald Joseph Stuyvenberg and the two went on to build their family with the addition of five children.

In 1980, Jerry died following a long battle with cancer and Karen raised her family of five children. Her home was filled with love, encouragement, and support. She honored the traditions of holiday meals, birthday celebrations, and family reunions. Karen’s mom, “Nana” became a critical part of her grandchildren’s lives. Nana and Nonny worked together to ensure that the children were grounded, hard working adults when they left the nest.

Nonny applied her passion for children in both her home and teaching career. She taught first grade at Holy Name School many years and built a second family through those children. Many of her former students in the community continued to call her “Mrs Stuyvenberg” for years.

Nonny loved her friends and family. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends. Nonny was always so proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved to attend their sporting events. She created a chain between her children that continues today. She shared details with her children about each other so they could always be “in the know.” She was the glue that connected her family.

Church and Faith were core to Nonny’s life. She instilled a faith and hope in God with all who met her. Her involvement at Holy Name (Holy Spirit) extended to her participation in the choir and bible studies.

Nonny is survived by her children: Mark (Judy) Stuyvenberg, Doug (Corri) Stuyvenberg, Lisa (Dan) Lindstrom, Rob (Amanda) Stuyvenberg, and Jon (Erin) Stuyvenberg; grandchildren: Jessica (Mike), Kate (Cody), Sarah, Sam, Simon, Jordan (Toni), Austin (Griffen), Cayla (Nathan), Kandace (Bryon), Maddie and Trevor; and great grandchildren: Emily, Zoe, Ivy, Axl, Mason, Tatum, Elleanor, and Stella. She is further survived by her sister GiGi (Bob Ramlow) Bailey, lifelong best friend sister in heart Donna Vanden Heuvel; sisters and brothers in law: Nancy Stuyvenberg, Mary “Pete” (Larry) Vanderpas, and Pat Stuyvenberg, as well as other friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald “Jerry”, granddaughter Jenna, parents, Jerry’s parents Henry and Elizabeth Stuyvenberg, brothers and sisters in law: Ken (Nori) Stuyvenberg, Donnie (Dorothy, Ginger) Stuyvenberg, Robert (June) Suyvenberg, Rita (Carl) Rehfeldt, Gene (Jean, Carol) Stuyvenberg, Paul Stuyvenberg, Betty (Ken, Bob, Jim) Ludwig, and Dick Stuyvenberg; her dog Louie, and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral liturgy for Karen will take place on Saturday January 4, 2025, at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Parish, 600 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. Karen will be laid to rest at Holy Name Cemetery, Kimberly.