Karen Marie Eichelsdoerfer, born Oct. 19, 1944, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Verner and Ella Swanson, departed this life on Dec. 10, 2016. She was 72. Karen graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1962. She went on to study at Grays Harbor College, University of Washington, and Western Washington University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and met her husband, Bruce. Shortly after college, Karen and Bruce moved to Aberdeen. Karen worked as a kindergarten teacher in the Hoquiam School District for 43 years until her retirement in 2011.
Karen loved teaching and always went the extra mile for her students. From putting on elaborate Thanksgiving feasts dressed as a Pilgrim, to teaching skills through songs, puppets, and dances Mrs. Eichelsdoerfer always strived to make learning fun. Teaching over 1,000 Hoquiamites, she left her mark on the community. She would often encounter former students asking “Mrs. Eichelsdoerfer, do you remember me?” and Karen could recall details about them as a kindergartener. After years of assisting her husband in selling his pottery out of their home, Karen and Bruce took on a new business that their children could participate in. For over 30 summers, Karen ran a shave ice business with her family at various festivals, including the Grays Harbor County Fair and Hoquiam’s Loggers Playday Parade.
Karen enjoyed boating, watching sports, and going on adventures both near and far with her family. Karen is survived by her daughters Britt Van Horne of Sammamish and Kara Crouch (Dan) of Duvall, brother Richard “Dick” Swanson of Mankato, Minn., and grandchildren Elle, Cate, and Easton. She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce, in 1994. Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of her life will be held at noon on Jan. 7, 2017, at the Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen. Memorial donations to the Karen Eichelsdoerfer Emerson Elementary Memorial Fund may be sent to Hoquiam School District, 305 Simpson Ave, Hoquiam, WA 98550. Arrangements were entrusted to Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home. She was laid to rest at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen. To share memories and leave condolences please visit purdykerr.com.
