Mrs. Karin Siemer Lees, 84, of Onancock, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, with her beloved husband, Lawrence C. “Larry” Lees, lovingly by her side.
Born on Oct. 13, 1941, in Hanover, Germany, Karin was the daughter of the late Hermann Siemer and Erna Rhode Siemer. She grew up in Wunstorf, Germany, the youngest of three sisters.
At the age of 19, she came to the United States to marry Larry, whom she had met while working at a German newspaper. Bilingual and intellectually curious, Karin taught herself English and maintained a lifelong love of reading, particularly about world affairs, politics, and German history.
A devoted wife and mother, Karin worked alongside Larry for decades as the office manager of Lees Financial Planning. Above all, she cherished her life with Larry, her soulmate of nearly 64 years, and took great pride in creating a loving home for her husband and son.
Known for her impeccable etiquette and attention to detail, she believed in doing things properly, including having dinner on the table at 5 o’clock.
Karin was endlessly creative, imaginative, and truly one of a kind. Her greatest passion was art, and she excelled at oil painting and pottery. A member of the Eastern Shore Art League, she delighted in expressing her creativity through her artwork and even started her own business, Dysfunctional Pottery, a name that reflected her distinctive humor and personality. She also designed and sewed her own clothing and lovingly handmade Halloween costumes for her son. Whether painting, creating pottery, sewing, or entertaining, Karin brought her own unmistakable flair to everything she did.
Karin especially loved entertaining family and friends, and her Christmas Eve party was the highlight of every year. Her warmth, creativity, distinctive German charm, and commitment to tradition made every gathering special and created cherished memories for those fortunate enough to share in them.
During her son’s childhood years, Karin was also a member of Market Street Methodist Church, where she generously devoted her time to volunteering with the Carrie Radcliffe Circle.
She is survived by her husband, Larry, of Onancock; her son, Ken Lees and his wife, Laurie, of Virginia Beach; her grandchildren, Madison Lees Nickol and her husband, Ben, and Parker Lees; her brother-in-law, KH Bieker; and her niece and nephews, Frank and Katrin Bosse and Matthias Bieker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Gisela Bosse and her husband, Walter, and Inge Bieker.
Family and friends will gather privately to celebrate Karin’s life and honor the many memories they hold dear.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to improve mental wellness at pingpong.gives/donate
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
