Roberta W. Karbowski, age 89, entered a New Life on November 13, 2015.

She kept us entertained up until the very end. Goofy, wonderful, funny, maddening at times, loving… She was our mom, and she loved us. She said so (in no uncertain terms) just a week before she left. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edith McCollum, Clare Ecklund, and Roger Ecklund (all of Illinois); first husband, Robert Montross (29 years), and second husband, Joseph Karbowski (30 years). Her loss is deeply felt by sons, Keith Montross, Naples, FL and Kevin (Betsy) Montross, Cedarburg, WI; daughters, Linda (John) Harmon, Winneconne, WI and Janet (Steven) Erbach, Neenah, WI; special friend Dolly Fuller; and a whole slew of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Roberta taught elementary school in Cedarburg, WI for many years and was proud to have worked for the Salvation Army after she left teaching. She was always active in her church choir whether she was summering in Wisconsin or wintering in Florida. Artistically gifted, she was an active member of Rural Rembrandts and received a number of awards for her paintings and other works of art. Roberta’s spirits never flagged when she realized she could no longer live on her own. She never complained about her transition to assisted living; her humor, wit, and take-it-as-it-comes attitude meant that her caregivers in Waupaca and in Winneconne came to love her dearly. And her spirits never flagged as her body began to fail. In fact she showed a side of herself that we had never seen before; accepting her situation without fuss and living each day with a quiet determination to soldier on through good days and bad. That incredible, wonderful sense of humor was always there, even in her final days.

The gifts you gave to us, Mom– and to all those who loved you– will be a part of us forever. Strength, grace, and love of life; you embodied them all, especially in these last few months. Thank you, Mom, for everything… we love you so.

Good Night, Good Rabbit…

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at Parfreyville United Methodist Church, N1979 Cty Rd K, Waupaca. Visitation at 3:00; service at 4:00. Please join us in honoring our mother.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com. Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne.