Karen H. Goettsche

Karen Lilleberg Goettsche, 83, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. She battled several chronic diseases but succumbed to influenza. We will celebrate her life with a private service at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Karen grew up in Arlington Heights. She and her dad talked about principles and philosophies of intellectual honesty, integrity, and kindness that would shape her life. She was proud to attend Arlington High School and St. Olaf College and remained active on their reunion committees. She transferred to the University of Illinois and graduated with a BA in sociology and psychology. She met her husband of 60 years, Jerry, on a blind date set up by her cousin, Don. Karen and Jerry raised their family in Palatine. They later moved to Inverness and finally settled back in Arlington Heights.

Karen always felt that the very best jobs she ever had were as a wife to Jerry and mother to Heide, Kari, and Ken. In 2000, she added “Nana” to that list with six beloved grandchildren.

Karen had a lot of interests. At times, she had a home secretarial service, the Silent Secretary (although she was not known to be silent), she was active in her church, sold real estate, and enjoyed writing, traveling, cooking, crafts, and their many pets. She was very social and loved playing bridge with friends, entertaining at their home, or getting together for coffee. She was known for long goodbyes and would want everyone to know how special they were to her.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and brother, many special pets, and several dear friends. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, and their three children, as well as their families.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arlington Heights Fire Department. They are among the many kind caregivers who have helped Karen over the years.