Karen Ellen Goetsch

March 15, 1947 - April 4, 2018

Karen Ellen (Eisenschmidt) Goetsch passed away on April 4, 2018 at her residence at Avamere in St. Helens. She was 71 years old. Karen was born in Portland, Ore., on March 15, 1947 to Herbert Frank Eisenschmidt and Alta Louise (Holland) Eisenschmidt. She grew up in St. Helens and lived most of her life here. She attended John Gumm School, St. Helens Junior High, and graduated from St. Helens High School in 1966. Her longtime friends from St. Helens may remember her as “Chickie.” After High School she earned her licenses in Hair Design and Cosmetology at Beau Monde College in Portland. Much of her childhood experiences centered around the swimming pool. She was on swim team, trained to be a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons to hundreds of children. Her family took vacations every spring to Death Valley and traveled with a boating club called “Trailer Sailors.” She loved travel, camping and exploring nature, especially at the Oregon Coast. Karen married Gary Goetsch on May 20, 1972 and gave birth to their daughter, Laura Lindsey on December 18, 1975. Karen was an active member of Sunset Park Community Church. She enjoyed Bible Study and summer campouts with her church group. She was a big fan of movie musicals and had an extensive collection of videos. She loved to cook and sew. When she no longer worked professionally as a hair stylist, she often gave free haircuts and perms to friends and family. She spent many years working as a housekeeper. Playing board games and dominos was a favorite pastime. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Goetsch, granddaughter Clarissa Snell-Goetsch, brother and sister-in-law Kurt and Christine Eisenschmidt, 5 great nieces and nephews and 5 great-great nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge the caring staff of Avamere in St. Helens for their support of Karen during her last three years. A Celebration of Life will be held at Columbia Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 17th at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following.