Bonnie Lee (Short) Karzynow

Bonnie Lee Karzynow, 86, of Jewell, passed away surrounded by her family on January 3, 2026, at her home.  

She was born on June 30, 1939, to Russell and Martha (Bruns) Short in Napoleon, OH. She was a 1957 graduate of Jewell High School. Bonnie was a secretary for many years at Jewell Grain Co. at the Okolona Branch, until her retirement in 2001. On August 14, 1976, she married Peter Karzynow, who survives.

Bonnie was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she volunteered in the church office doing secretary work. She was the president of the Jewell American Legion Auxiliary #635 for many years. She attended homemakers meetings religiously and was a member of the D.A.V.  Bonnie enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and traveling anywhere and everywhere. She admired lighthouses and stopped at every one she could. Bonnie was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. She loved watching and attending her grandchildren's sporting events. Bonnie will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Bonnie is survived by her loving spouse of 49 years, Peter Karzynow of Jewell; her children, Rick (Jill) Clady of Napoleon, Randy (Barb) Clady of Defiance, Cheryl LeVeck of Jewell, Joseph (Melissa) Karzynow of Sherwood; 13 grandchildren, Ashley, Karie, Kristen, Tyler, Ashton, Randy, Jr., Elissa, Ronda, Jake, Jeromy, Makayla, Brady, and Jack; 22 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Sally Eis; and brother, Jerry (Nancy) Short.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Leslie Short; sister, Dawn Buchhop; and great-grandson, Graham Hughes.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 11:00 am at the funeral home with Pastor Kurt Mews, officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Bonnie will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church.

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