Carolyn Kottke Obituary

Carolyn L. Kottke, 92 of 126727 Cty Rd A, Athens, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25,2025 in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born on February 8,1933 to William and Adeline (Braun) Laufer, the last of six daughters. She met her husband Roy Kottke, who was the farmhand on her parent’s farm. They were joined in marriage on October 15,1952 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. They purchased her family’s farm in 1957 where she resided until her death.

Over the years, Carolyn and Roy enjoyed horseback riding, dancing, playing cards, snowmobiling and shooting pool. They had five children: Yvonne, Carla, Kim, Kelly, and Ken. As a family, they spent many years enjoying the family pond, swimming, fishing, throwing many parties and family reunions.

Carolyn and Roy farmed together until the time of his death in 1990. In the spring of 1990, she opened the Edgar Café, where she enjoyed her daily banter with the Marathon County deputies and her other regulars. She ran the café until her retirement. She remained active helping her son, Ken, with the family farm: mowing lawns, painting fence posts, picking stones and overall, just being “The Boss.” She also continued her love of playing cards, many card games were played at her kitchen table. She also enjoyed going to the casino and was usually very lucky.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Roy, June 10,1990, her daughter Carla Goetz, December 10, 2022, her sons-in-law Edward Schultz and Jeff McNeely; her parents, her sisters, Hildegarde, Aurelia, Vernette, Louise, and Marie; as well as all her in-laws. And her beloved dog, Tinkie, (Also known as the favorite child).

Carolyn is survived by her children Yvonne Schultz, Kim Kottke, Kelly Kottke, and Ken Kottke her son-in-law Brad Goetz; her ten grandchildren Amy (Pete) Schultz, Sara (Nic) Schmitt, Arlee (Frank) Stevens, Jodi (Mike) Kluczinske, Adam (Andrea) McNeely, Kristen (Ryan) Schoen, Lorin (Matt) Kuester, Brandon McNeely, Ashley (Don Resch) Kottke, and Jonathon Kottke; her eighteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Mom taught us everything about life but not how to live without her. We will miss her dearly.

The family would like to thank John, Hannah, Amanda and Tim from Interim Health and Hospice for the kindness and excellent care that they provided to our mother.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Private family burial will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com