Karen Goodell, age 44, of Virgil, died Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. A private memorial service of Karen's cremated remains will be in Oregon at a later date.
Karen Irene Goodell was born September 6, 1971, to George Edward and Lynn (Bayless) Goodell at Cottage Grove, Oregon. She grew up in the Oregon and Washington area. She graduated from high school. Karen married Don Rhodes.They later divorced. Karen later moved to the Arizona and Nevada area to be closer to her daughters.
In 2012, Karen moved to Wolsey, South Dakota, where she was an at home caregiver. Later in 2012, Karen met Leif Klicker. They started dating January 2015.
Karen enjoyed the outdoors all of her life, whether in the mountains of Oregon and Washington or the plains of South Dakota. She liked to garden, hunt, and fish. Karen also enjoyed working cattle and helping and caring for her baby animals.
Karen will always be remembered as a very loving, caring, best friend to everyone, respectful, devoted woman. Karen was always ready for anything to cross her path. She was so full of life. She loved having fun with friends, family, or just who ever happened along. Karen had a journey she wanted to complete before the end of her time. She didn't think her time would be soon.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Edward Goodell; her mother Lynn Goodell; and her grandparents, Arthur and Estella Goodell.
Survivors include her special friend, Leif Klicker of Virgil, her five daughters; her siblings, Douglas (Debbie) Goodell of Arizona, Darlene Kay Goodell Steele (Tedd and Jared Danforth) of Union, Oregon, James Dean Goodell of Carson City, Nevada, Brenda Goodell (Glenn) Burkhow of Port Orford, Oregon, and Dawn Allen of Longview, Washington; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A message from Karen's sister Darlene: The short time I knew Karen she taught me a lot. Karen helped each and every one of us in a certain but different way. RIP!!!!! My beautiful sister, Karen Irene Goodell. Enjoy your new life in heaven.
A message from Karen siblings: We want to say thank you for all the donations that have we received. The donations will help get Karen to Oregon where she wanted to be put to rest on a high mountain. Karen's wish will be granted.Thank you so very much and with great respect to all.