Karen Joy Knetter

1965 - 2024

Karen Joy Knetter

January 14, 1965 - September 7, 2024

Karen Joy Knetter, age 59, passed on surrounded by loved ones on September 7, 2024. Excellent care and support from the Carbone Cancer Center following her cancer diagnosis in 2020 allowed her to continue living a vibrant life until her passing.

Karen was born on January 14, 1965, in Long Beach, CA, to Joyce (Schill) and Tom Goedewaagen who instilled in her a strong moral compass. She grew up in Westminster, CA, until the family moved to Ohio in 1978. She graduated from Avon Lake High School in 1983, where she was among the most decorated athletes in school history, starring in basketball, tennis, and softball. She was inducted into the Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

In 1983, Karen earned a scholarship to attend Stanford University as a varsity basketball player and earned a B.S. in Applied Earth Sciences in 1987 and an M.S in Resources Planning in 1988. She played part of her career under legendary Stanford Coach Tara Vandeveer and made lifelong friends.

Karen married Mike Knetter on July 30, 1988, and moved to Hanover, NH, where she worked for Resource Systems Group, an environmental consulting firm, and started a family. Maxine was born in 1997 followed by Lillian in 2000 before the family moved to Madison, WI, in 2002.

In Madison, Karen was a passionate presence in schools, churches, Girl Scout troops, youth sports teams and local nonprofits. She was spontaneous and driven, a healthy eater who always saved room for desert, and a keen observer of what sparked joy in others. She rejoiced in nature, whether in her backyard or across the world, and inspired those around her to conserve natural resources and protect natural gifts. Karen was admired as a mother, friend, artist, athlete, yogi, cook, gardener, listener, teacher, and believer in love and compassion above all else.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother Joyce. She is survived by her daughters Maxine and Lillian; her wasband Mike; her father, Tom; her sister, Jane (Mike) Frazin and brother Mark Goedewaagen; her nephews Jordan and Tyler Frazin; cat, Naboo; and her hens Rhonda, Goose, and Josh. A private burial was held on Friday, and a celebration of her life will take place in November at Holy Wisdom Monastery. See Cress Funeral and Cremation Services website for updated information about celebration of life and where to direct gifts in Karen's honor.