Two Rivers native and Manitowoc Lutheran graduate Karen Willsmann got to do what very many never get the chance to do, attend and retire from her alma mater. She announced after 41 years that she is retiring next month.
After a short stint as an elementary school teacher in Rhinelander she returned home to Manitowoc where she taught Physical Education and English for 38 years before becoming a learning coordinator. Willsmann also left her mark as one of the most respected and successful coaches on the Lakeshore, coaching basketball for 25 years along with varsity track and field, volleyball along with serving as Lancer Athletic and Associate Athletic Director.
Her last year, she served as a senior adviser and is optimistic for a graduation ceremony for the Lancer class of 2020 sometime in July.
