Arlita "Lita" L. (Lovedale) Koerner, 87, Green Bay, passed away on April 23, 2023.  She was born in Marinette on January 7, 1936, to Roy and Myrtle (Anderson) Lovedale.

She enjoyed a happy childhood in Peshtigo, WI, graduating from Peshtigo High School and going on to attend Marinette County Teachers College for two years.  She taught for a year in Crivitz before returning to college to receive her bachelor's degree in teaching from UW Oshkosh.  Arlita taught at Elmore School for several years, married John Koerner on June 15, 1963, and then stayed home with their daughters, Kathy and Amy, for ten years.  Arlita volunteered at her daughter's school library and later worked for many years as a substitute teacher in the Green Bay School System, being awarded for her outstanding contribution to education as a substitute teacher by the Green Bay School Board in 1991.  Arlita happily gave up subbing to provide daycare for grandchildren Abbie and Brett for many years, and lovingly cared for Bree, Emily, and Andy often.  Most recently until Covid, Lita volunteered at both Red Smith and Martin Elementary Schools, reading with Kathy's students.  Children loved Arlita, as she made them feel special.

Arlita's greatest joy and treasure was her family.   Lita and John were the most giving parents and grandparents anyone could hope for.  Kathy and Amy have nothing but happy childhood memories, and Grandma and Grandpa's home was cherished.  Arlita spent weeks planning for special holiday gatherings, preparing special dishes the grandchildren looked forward to, served on beautifully decorated tables.  Other traditions included camping, girls' weekends in Chicago, watching imaginative skits created by the grandkids, and playing card & board games.  When all the grandkids were young and they would go on car trips, Lita would put together a treasure hunt car game for them, which made the trips fun and memorable.  Lita was an avid sports fan and loved cheering loudly with the grandkids watching football and basketball games in her den.  She was also their biggest cheerleader, attending every sporting/musical activity she could.  Arlita may have been small in stature, but she had amazing inner strength from her strong faith in God.  She taught us to always trust in God's plans.  She was an inspiration as she overcame physical obstacles her whole life with a cheerful attitude.  She adapted so well to these challenges that they were often unnoticed or forgotten (except when cross-country skiers thought she'd lost a pole!).  Her selflessness toward her family was exemplary.  Her smiling face reflected her sweet and positive disposition.

Lita is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Kathy (Guy) Patzke, Amy (Joe) Utic; five grandchildren, Abbie (Jace Bounds) Patzke, Brett Patzke, Breeanna Patzke, Andrew (Megan) Utic and Emily (fiancé, Michael Skow) Utic; great-grandson, Tate Utic; and sisters-in-law, Sharon Lovedale, Ronne Koerner, Alma Koerner; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister, her in-laws, and by her wonderful husband, John, with whom she will be reunited after 17 years.

Visitation will be from 3-5pm on Tuesday, May 2nd at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1024 Shawano Ave.  The Funeral Service will follow at 5pm.  Burial will be in Allouez Cemetery the following morning at 11am. To send online condolences, please go to www.blaneyfuneralhome.com

Special thanks go to the amazing staff at the Unity Hospice Meng Center, who lovingly cared for Mom for over 6 months.