Karen Kay Bronkema, 74, of Eau Claire passed away at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.
Karen was born to Clifford and Ione (House) Kriese on January 20, 1948, in Eau Claire. She graduated from North High School. She was a bartender at Orv and Pat’s Amber Inn for 20+ years. Her favorite hobbies were bingo, playing poker with family, and preparing holiday meals. She also loved making treat bags for her grandchildren at Christmas. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her two daughters, Jean Johnson, and Staci Johson of Eau Claire; her brother, Bill Kriese of Arizona; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Bronkema; her children, Randy and Gina Johnson; her parents, Clifford and Ione Kriese; and her brother, Larry Kriese.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Friends and family may leave online condolences below.
To the Johnson kids,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and grandma, Karen was a very nice lady, I met Karen when I became friends with all of her kids when I was 12 and am now 54, it is with great sadness that she has passed away, but remember she is at peace and in no more pain! The one thing I will never forget about her is always when I saw her she had rollers in her hair and I will never forget that about her. RIP Karen you will be missed by so many people that new you!
Darla
I’ll never stop loving you grandma, I love you and miss you so much!
To the family I’m very sorry that she passed away,, I will miss her very much LIKE I SAID I’M VERY SORRY THAT SHE IS NO LONGER WITH US HERE ON EARTH BUT SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMINDED IN OUR HEARTS AND THOUGHTS OF EVER AND EVER SHE WILL……
So sorry to hear of Karen’s death. Many of our class mates are leaving way too soon.
I am sooo sorry!! Very hard. Hugs @ kisses.
So sorry to hear about Karens passing, Loved her as I did my own mom. May she RIP…It’s never good bye but rather till we meet again.