Karelyn Jo Pangborn

Karelyn Pangborn, a beloved partner, eldest sister, Aunty and friend, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with Parkinsons on November 23, 2024. Born on November 20, 1946, she grew up in Trowbridge Park in Marquette, Michigan and despite living most of her adult life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, considered herself a lifelong Yooper.

Kare, as she was called by those who loved her, humbly devoted her life to helping others. This endeavor began with her career as a high school special education teacher in which she earned two master’s degrees with honors in both special education and administration. She used her wits and Finnish Sisu to advocate for “her kids” for nearly 40 years.

Her life outside of school was also devoted to helping those in need. She volunteered with Interfaith to help elderly people in her community to grocery shop, get to doctors’ appointments, etc. She also volunteered with Stock Box to deliver food to those in need all over the Milwaukee area. As a founding member, Women to Women, was near and dear to Kare’s heart. For over 25 years, she organized a day-long conference twice a year for women struggling with addiction. For many years, Kare would travel on a weekly basis rain and snow-covered roads to a local women’s correctional facility to provide support and guidance to the female inmates struggling with sobriety. She was proud of her sobriety and never missed an opportunity at helping others to find it for themselves.

Kare was a fearless adventurer, traveling cross-country many times on her own, camping along the way. Despite her reserved demeanor, she loved to ride in the front seat on roller coasters and go whitewater rafting. She was quick to laugh at a joke and loved to play cards. On her quieter days, she loved to read books, go for long walks, snuggle with her kitties, work in her garden, make salsa and was a crossword puzzle wizard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Evelyn Pangborn and brother-in-laws Paul Churchville and Steve Armentrout. Surviving is her life partner Joy Steinbicer and their cat Molly, 5 sisters, Amy Armentrout, Sue Tollefson (Tony), Sally Menapace (Eugene), Corliss Cloniger (Mark), Peggy Anderson (John), and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that she lovingly referred to as her “kiddos”.

We would like to give a special thanks to Trish. She was her caregiver and so much more. We’ll be forever grateful.

She is loved and will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Karelyn’s honor.