Karla E.

(Vitense Schroedl) Kenevan

Karla E. Vitense Schroedl Kenevan, 76, Beaver Dam, went to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family in peace on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

She was born on March 24, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of the late Elmer "Lefty" and Bellva (Eroen) Vitense. Her twin sister, Karen, passed away shortly after birth. Her siblings, Elmer Russell, Kevin, and Kenneth, have preceded her in death, and sister, Kathy (Randy) Skarda of Lodi survives her.

She was a 1965 graduate of Waterloo High School and later attended UW Eau Claire.  She played basketball, trombone, and enjoyed her home ec classes, earning Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year Award. Karla was an excellent student and loved learning. She picked and packed pickles at the pickle factory in Waterloo.

Karla had been the Lake Mills Middle School secretary, a sales manager at Spacesaver, then Creative Manufacturing in Fort Atkinson, and later had been employed by Wisco in Lake Mills and the State of Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Economic Development in Madison.  She traveled across the country, training others as a professional business woman. Her excellent design taste aligned with her business savvy in a dream role as a fashion assistant at Donna's Fashions in Lake Mills and Whitewater.  She gleamed brightly as a fashionista at local fashion shows with friends and family.

Motherhood was an honor she cherished and treasured. Her two children- Timothy (Jerzy) Vant Hoff of Randolph and Tara (Daniel) Topel of Lake Mills were the objects of her affection. She enjoyed joining their family celebrations and life events when she could and vicariously through their social media accounts and phone calls. She especially loved her grandpuppies (there are too many to name).  Her love of cats will never be forgotten, as many have shared her companionship- most recently, Princess, who will miss her dearly.

Karla loved literature.  She was an avid reader, Danielle Steele being one of her favorite authors. Close friends who were like family reminisce of her story-telling abilities and exquisite penmanship.

Karla's faith flourished as a member of the Olivet Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus.  She loved cooking and shared that talent with her church family in many ways, offering meals and entering Chili contests (she even earned 2017 Best Chili Award, which was boasted about often). A select few loved ones are owners of her very own cookbook, KISS The Cook-Book.

Karla married Michael Lee "Little Mike" Kenevan on September 24, 2011. He died on June 24, 2021. She was the Queen of their Purple Palace on Maple Avenue in Columbus, WI.  They enjoyed traveling, talks on the deck, theatrical shows, visits to Lambeau Field, and attending as many events for their grandchildren as they possibly could. Grandchildren Mallory Topel and Christian Topel (Lake Mills) decorated her life and she beamed about them every time she shared their life experiences.  Mike had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Karla embraced and loved as her very own.

Her nieces, nephews, sister and brother-in-laws, Red Hat Society, her High School get together group, restaurant friends, and select close and special friends who referred to her as their sister, will all remember her as:  classy, best dressed, fingernails that matched her outfits, football and racing fan, beaming with joy by sharing and caring, especially on Facebook where she is well known as a "biggest fan" of a long list of friends.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Olivet Congregational United Church of Christ, 313 W. Prairie St, Columbus, WI, friends may call beginning at 10am until the funeral service begins at 12 noon.

Karla's burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam at a later date, where she and Mike will spend their days together as they had always hoped - 'in their chairs, under the big oak tree.'

If desired, memorials in Karla's name would be appreciated to the Watertown Humane Society, St. Vincent de Paul, Olivet UCC Church in Columbus, or the charity of one's choice.

"Love you More!"

www.claussenfuneralhome.com