Karlene Mae Koch Goettsche Obituary (1935 - 2017)

Karlene had a great life and loved traveling. While Lawrence was in the Navy, they would take their family on extended trips to whatever part of the country that they were currently stationed. They loved taking in the National Parks and have visited most of them at least once. Since they had lived in Maine, Tennessee, California, Hawaii they had the opportunity to enjoy several beautiful parts of our country. After retiring, Lawrence and Karlene continued their love of traveling by taking cruises to Mexican Riviera, Bahama, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, and had booked a trip to Alaska in June. Karlene worked in several occupations during her life. Before marrying Lawrence she worked as a bookkeeper at First Security Bank in Boise. After getting married, employment was difficult as they were transferred often to different locations throughout the US. In Maine, she worked at the base in the sporting goods section. We're not sure if she brought home much money, but the family always had the most current camping gear, and hunting equipment. After my father retired, they settled in Salt Lake City, where she worked for National Semiconductor. She loved shopping at JC Penny's so she applied for a job there, so she could get the discounts. Most of all Karlene loved her family. Regular phone calls to her sisters in California, and Idaho all kept them close even though the miles separated them. Last summer, they were all together in California. For thirty years, her family has celebrated semi-annual reunions camping for four-days together, where memories were kept alive, and a lot of catching up was done. She loved her four kids and their spouses, and was so proud of them. You could often hear her telling her friends of their recent accomplishments. After the passing of her oldest son, Dale, there was a huge hole in her heart that she never quite got over. If she was proud of her children, you should've heard the stories of her grandchildren, Whitney, Katie, Tyler, Travis, Megan, Chase, Daryl, Chelsea, Brandi, and Jamie. Trust us, they were the greatest grandchildren according to their grandmother. Upon retiring Karlene loved playing Bingo, and socializing with her Mesquite friends. Her friends at Mesquite Lutheran Church were great comfort. She also enjoyed her Red Hatters Club. Mom volunteered at the Lost City Museum as a docent. She loved meeting the visitors from all over the country, especially the ones with German descent. Most of all she loved the warm weather in Mesquite. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Lawrence Goettsche; children, Diane (Mike)Templin, Gwendolyn Goettsche, David (Sheri), Don (Marie) Goettsche; and ten adored grandchildren and three-great-grandchildren. Also survived by siblings, Betty Trowbridge, Jean Green, Harold (Donna) Koch, Shirley (Larry) Ernest, and Kenneth Koch. Preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, Gary and beloved son, Dale. On Friday, February 10, 2017, the family will have a viewing from 10-11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 S. 700 E., Sandy, Utah 84070 with the service beginning at 11:30 a.m. and a luncheon following in the Fellowship Hall. Graveside services will be held the same day at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park Cemetery at 2 p.m. with a balloon release afterwards. Share online condolences: www.jenkins-soffe.com Your Mom is Your Mom Nobody can replace her Nobody can do half the things She does or has done for you Nobody can compare to her Only God can love you more Than she does She's only one person, but she's The person that matters most. I love and appreciate my mom, no matter where she is In Heaven or here on Earth There's nothing like a Mother's love Mom you will sorely missed Love your family Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT