Karen Goen, 57, of College Station, passed away Friday, June 18, 2010 at North Cypress Medical Center in Cypress. Visitation was held Monday, June 21, 2010 at the Callaway Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Bryan. Funeral service are set for 2 p.m. today at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Barak Lane in Bryan with burial to follow at the College Station City Cemetery under the direction of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home.
Karen was born Feb. 12, 1953 to Dr. Oliver F. and Marcella Ruetz Goen in Gainsville, Fla. After spending her childhood in many places, she returned to Texas with her parents, where she has been a long time resident of College Station. Karen received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Education with a Certificate of School Counseling from Sam Houston State University. She became an elementary school teacher beginning in Leander ISD, then at Bryan ISD and taught for more than 20 years in Bremond ISD.
Karen enjoyed music, art and photography. She was also very active in her church. She loved her family, extended church family, and her school and colleagues. She loved her many school children as if they were her own.
Karen is survived by her parents, Dr. Oliver F. and Marcella Goen of College Station; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Clyde and Genia Goen and Tom and Cathy Goen, both of College Station; five nieces, Laura and Jim Wilson of Johnson City, Mary and Stephen Mobley of Austin, Kristy and Andrew Humphreys of College Station, Diane and Joe Alvarado of New York, and Erin Goen of College Station; two nephews, David Goen and John Goen, both of College Station; seven grandnieces and nephews, Mackenzie Mobley, Abby Humphreys, Isaac Humphreys, Ashlyn Wilson, Sarah Wilson, Nathan Wilson and Lael Alvarado.
Pallbearers will be Clyde Goen, Tom Goen, David Goen, John Goen, Jim Wilson, Stephen Mobley and Andrew Humphreys.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bremond PTO Karen Goen Scholarship Fund, Care of Tonya Townsend, P.O. Box 190, Bremond, TX 76629. Please include a return address.
Please leave your condolences at www. CallawayJones.com
Our memories of Mrs.Goen was that she was such a strong lady to have endured all she had with her medical problems. The lord decided it was time for her to be with him and have peace forever. We will miss her dearly and my heart pours out to her Family and Friends. Mrs.Goen if you can hear us, we send our love…and we will always remember your thoughtful ways..and your lovely smile……
I was so privileged to know Karen for the past fifteen years and work with her for thirteen of those years. She taught two of my three children in Kindergarten and they are so fortunate for having had that kind and loving experience their first year in school. Karen was the most wonderful human being who always looked past everyone’s shortcomings and weaknesses and saw only good in everyone. She set such a high standard for us all! I am praying for peace during this sad time for all of her family as well as all of her friends. She will be missed greatly, but will continue to be loved by all of the lives that she touched.
Rest in peace Karen. May we meet again in a better place.
May the Goen family find comfort in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) Take care,
I was very blessed to have been able to work with Karen for the last 2 years at Bremond ISD. She was a very enlightening person. No matter how bad she felt, she was always at work. She was a fighter. She always wanted to know how you and you family were doing. She never wanted the conversation to be about her or how she felt. She was just a selfless human being. She truly was an Angel to all of us. I am comforted by the fact that now she is our Guardian Angel in Heaven. I will truly miss her.
We will miss you old friend. Our family will have pleasant memories of you to cherish, lots of stories to pass along. God blessed us to have you in our lives. Your friendship was always a treasure. You touched so many lives, your legacy will live forever in the children you taught, the parents you spent time with and your fellow staff members with whom you shared. THank God for letting us have known you. May your family take pride in your years of service to children and the example that you provided for all of us in coming to work each day, even when you felt bad.
Goen family, My prayers are with you during this time. Karen was one of the first people to welcome me when I came to Bremond ISD in 2000. I will always remember to roadtrips we went on and the after school chats we used to have. I will never forget her and the determination and courage she had. She is truly one of the angels who has enriched my life on earth.
Ms Goen was my son Colten Myers’ teacher this year he loved her, she was an inspiration to us.. She will be truly missed. I told Colten she had passed and he was so grown up about it and said God is taking care of her now… Your in our thoughts and prayers Ms Goen and family!! Love Colten Myers and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Goen family. Karen was a wonderful woman, teacher, coworker, and especially a friend. I have worked with Karen for many years. You could not ask for harder working person. Karen wanted each student’s kindergarten year to be one that they would always remember and to set a good foundation for the rest of their school years. She was always willing to help you with anything. Karen was my son, Russell, kindergarten teacher. I know she helped mold him into the person he is today. Our school will truly miss her. Karen set a wonderful example for all of to follow. God bless you in this sad time. Roger, Rose, & Russell Kujawa
My prayers are with Karen Goen’s family at this time of loss. She will truly be missed by all that knew her. I have so many wonderful memories of her and I will truly miss her. She is a special angel who I know will be watching over all of us and she was an inspiration to all. I am so glad my grandchildren had her as their teacher.
I would like to let Ms. Goens’ family know that my thoughts and prayers are with them. Ms. Goen taught my daughter around 1989 in kindergarten…. She was one special person… always with a smile! I know that my baby girl was blessed to have had Karen as one of the lights in her life… she shone brightly. God bless your family and I hope and pray that you can find comfort and peace from your sorrow.
While I only met Ms. Goen a few times, that was all I needed to have a lasting impression of the kind of woman she was. I had the honor of substituting her class on a few occasions and can say that she was loved by her students and all whom she came in contact with. Her impact was so huge that even in her absence, she was still there with the students. It was like she walked with them (us) to make sure things were done right! To her family, may God give you strength in this time of heartache and pain, but know that she lives on in the many hearts/lives that she touched.
Dear Goen family – There will certainly be a hole in our elementary school and in our hearts. Ms.Goen taught my son last year and we had a great first year of school. She was such a special lady. I have always admired her calm spirit. She has been in my prayers for the past several years, and I will continue those prayers for you all. May you find strength and comfort from the Lord above and from the sweet memories in your heart. The Cook family
I first met Karen in 1979 as a “Young Single Adult” in our church. She was so kind and beautiful. She was soft spoken and I believe she had the countenance of Christ. Always cheerful and ready to help. I appreciate the friendship we enjoyed with Karen. I hope to all her family this message is clear…she was loved by all who knew her. May the Lord bless you during this sorrowful time. Bill n Carol
We are so very sorry for your loss. Karen was a wonderful lady; I can still see her sweet smile. Please know we are praying for your family during this tragic loss.
Ms. Goen taught my son, Landon this year. I am so greatful for the time she spent with him, he really missed her when she left and she was so sweet to him and me also. There wasnt a day that she didnt have something nice to say to me when i would come in the school, and she will be very missed. My prayers are with her family, during this time of sadness. Love, Kassi & Landon Eichinger