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Karen Gohl

February 2, 1954 - October 26, 2011
Alpena, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, October 29, 2011
2:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Visitation

Sunday, October 30, 2011
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Service

Sunday, October 30, 2011
2:00 PM EDT
McWilliams Funeral Homes
Alpena Location
504 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-8044
Driving Directions

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Flowerland Designs
2205 US 23 S., Ste 108
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9377
Driving Directions
Web Site

Lasting Expressions
204 W. Washington Ave.
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 356-9372
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When we take time to reflect on the life of Karen Gohl we are reminded that each day is ours for the taking and that although we cannot control the circumstances around us, we can control how we choose to react. As her friends and family can attest, Karen chose to live fully as she truly viewed each moment as a precious gift. She completely immersed herself into her role as a mother, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was the very best part. With the love of her life by her side for forty years, Karen touched the lives of so many around her in her own special way. She will be deeply missed while her legacy of compassion, sacrifice, and true beauty will live on in the lives of those who follow her.

America came to life in the fifties with the introduction to rock ‘n roll music, the addition of the blue jeans to the everyday wardrobe, and greats like Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron who took command of the baseball field. Televisions were becoming a part of American homes in great numbers and with shows like Father Knows Best and Lassie, our view of the “ideal family” was forever changed. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1954 that was a year of great joy for one family in Royal Oak, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 2nd. Baby Karen was one of nine children born to her parents, Tilden and Alice Sutherland. She was raised alongside her siblings, Linda, Dan, Laura, Rusty, Debbie, Kim, Robert, and Lynn, in addition to the many foster children her parents took into their home in Rochester Hills through the years. Karen’s parents modeled what it meant to work hard as her father worked outside the home in outdrive repair while her mother was a busy homemaker. It was not uncommon for Karen and six of her siblings to go roller skating or to the movies, which allowed their parents to have some peace and quiet in their home for a time!

Education was always something that was of great importance to Karen. She attended local schools, but left high school after the 11th grade in order to get married. However, she did earn her high school diploma in 1984 from Alpena High School.

The man who stole Karen's heart was William Gohl, Jr., and they met at Redeemer Missionary Church in Utica. They were true opposites who complemented each other perfectly. He was more quiet and reserved while Karen was a sassy jokester who often brought her surroundings to life no matter where she was. With a desire to build a life together, Karen and William were married on August 12, 1971, by a judge in Buffalo, New York.

Life truly began for Karen with the birth of their daughter, Cassandra Lynn. With the birth of their son, William III some time later, their family of four was complete. Karen loved being a mother and was a genuine nurturer. She always made a big deal out of the holidays as she loved putting on a grand show for her loved ones. Karen tenderly prepared a huge feast with all the fixings. She also loved getting dressed up on Halloween to pass out candy to all the kids who came to her door. Karen always got all caught up in the excitement of holidays, but it was spending time with her family that was the best part. It was important to Karen that her children complete high school and college. She was so proud the day Cassy left home for college, yet she was also thankful that she still had one child at home to care for and love on.

Although she loved being a mother, Karen was elated to become a grandmother to the four grandchildren who were the light of her life from the moment they were born. Grandma Karen was the best hostess of Friday night gatherings at her house filled with tricky treasure hunts, fun-filled games of Peanuts and Sorry, lively games of Indian ball, and plenty of scooter rides. Some of grandma’s favorite sayings were, “Don’t burn the garlic bread,” “If you don’t like it, cook it yourself,” “That’s my baby,” “Love you baby,” “ and “Whose girls are you?” Although these sayings mean different things to different people, they help bring to life the woman who Karen truly was.

Spending time with her family was always first and foremost in her life, but Karen filled her time with other things as well. For 17 years she worked at Ripley Big Boy and then for 10 years she managed the Dunkin’ Donuts. Karen enjoyed her work and it was a great fit for her, too, since she was naturally friendly and outgoing. She had so much fun socializing with both the customers and her co-workers who became great friends. Karen and some of her friends were Ramblin’ Rodettes who loved to get together and have a great time. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

With her fun-loving and playful spirit, Karen Gohl was so much fun to be around. She was a woman of great character who was a bundle of energy. Karen was hard working both in and outside of the home and no matter what she was doing, she always gave everything her all. Through the life she lived each day Karen created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be a lasting treasure for those she leaves behind.

Karen Gohl died on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Karen’s family includes her husband, William Gohl, Jr.; two children, Cassandra (Wayne) Suszek of Posen and William (Shellie) Gohl, III of Alpena; four grandchildren, Felix, Hannah, Madysen, and Peyton; five sisters, Linda Claeys, Laura Sutherland, Debbie Matheny, Kim Adams, Lynn Mellow; brother, Rusty Sutherland; and her mother and father-in-law; Helen and William Gohl, Sr. of Alpena. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert and Danny. Karen Gohl is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends will gather on Saturday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 29, 2011, at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Rubin officiating. Interment will be at Long Rapids Township Cemetery. Please visit Karen’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign the on-line guest book.

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