Karen M. Martin

Karen Mae (Jensen) Martin, age 80 of Boscobel, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. She was born on July 18, 1944 in Racine, WI to the late Nels and Edna Jensen. Nels passed away when Karen was 5 years old, her mother re-married and gave her the best Daddy. She started in a one room school in Somers, WI and then grade school at Friedens Lutheran School in Kenosha. Karen went on to attend high school at Paddock Lake in Salem Central. She married Dennis Bohm in 1961 and they were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters; they later divorced in 1966. Karen met the love of her life, Rollie as he was working at American Motors. They then moved to Boscobel so Rollie and his brothers could start their business, Boscobel Refrigeration. They married on August 19, 1969. Together, they raised their children, much like the “Brady Bunch” with one more child.

Karen was a stay-at-home mom until all the children were well set in school. Her first job was at Fin ‘N’ Feather, working for Len and Joann Richter for several years. When the Fin was sold to “Mugsie” and Jackie Meuer, she worked for them for a few years. Karen later worked at Dick’s Supermarket, Coiffures by Fern Beauty Salon in Lancaster, and the Manhattan Club. After Karen’s sister Carol bought the bar in Woodman, she worked for her. In 1991, she began work as an inspector at J&J Sewing and worked there for 26 ½ years before retiring at the age of 72.

Karen and Rollie enjoyed 4 years of more special bonding as Rollie became unable to work anymore. They thoroughly fell in love even more, being able to spend all their time together at the home they built in 1972. They enjoyed the regular visits by their children and grandchildren with many visits from numerous friends as well. Her love of family was constant, as everyone of her kids came to see her. Nothing made her happier than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everyone is special in their own way. Karen thoroughly enjoyed going to watch her granddaughters Tia, Tessa, Kate, and great-niece Josie performing on their horses doing barrels, poles, and other events. They were happy to see many friends and relatives while they watched the girls.

Throughout the years, Karen enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, mud bogging, and going to Chicagoland Speedway to watch the NASCAR races with her girls. In recent years, Karen enjoyed watching NASCAR along with Packer and Badger football games, and FOX News on tv. She loved watching and feeding birds, especially the Blue Birds every summer. She was able to feed baby blue birds who became tame enough for her to feed by hand and have them come when she called. She treasured the times being at home and watching her favorite birds.

Karen is survived by her precious children Brian Martin of Boscobel, Greg Martin of Richland Center, Laurie (Kevin) Ralph of Boscobel, Debra Bohm-Schmitz of Rockledge, FL, Paula Cifelli of New Jersey,  Shelly Bohm Roth of Boscobel, and Tracy (Tonia) Martin of Boscobel; special grandsons Marc Updike, Michael (Tracy) Updike, Todd Groom, Jeff Groom, Alex Groom, Austin Martin, Trevor Martin, Joe Cifelli; beautiful granddaughters Lexa (Cody) Trumm, Tia Martin, Tessa Martin, Kate (Jace) Mielke, Rachel Cifelli; 22 great-grandchildren, many special nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Roland “Rollie” Martin, son Jeff Martin, parents Nels Jensen & Edna (Herb) Schlosser, brothers Harvey Wagner & Robert Jensen, sisters Doris Krause, Delora Benson, Ruth Braun, Lucille Eisenman, Betty Held, Dorthy Ziehen and Carol Varvil. 

The funeral service for Karen will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Back Roads Church, 104 Buchanan Street, Boscobel with Rev. Stan Pegram officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest in the Boscobel Cemetery. Online condolences can be offered at www.kendallfuneralservice.com

With love and gratitude, a very special thank-you goes to Carly Hall of St. Croix Hospice for the extra loving you gave to our mom and helping us all on this journey.

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