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1952
2020
DONALD HAROLD KARSCH
November 14, 1952 ˜ January 20, 2020
As night became early morning Monday, January 20th, 2020, Donald Harold Karsch, affectionately known as Homer, quietly and peacefully left this world for higher hunting grounds and forever favorable winds.
He and his twin brother, Douglas, were born to Dorothy and Gustav Karsch on November 14th, 1952 in Middleburgh, NY. Donald claimed being the older and wiser of the two by 7 minutes. Donald stayed in NY through high school and a few years of college, but in 1973 headed west to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, OR renowned for its Cadastral Survey Engineering program.
Upon graduation, he quickly found permanent employment with Wimena National Forest in Klamath Falls as the Forest’s Lands Surveyor.
In 1987, Donald and his family moved to Vancouver, WA to work with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest until his retirement in 2007. In this time, he and Valerie raised two beautiful children, gardened for an army, coached kids’ soccer, hiked, sailed, loved Nature and all of life.
Donald leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Valerie Karsch; daughter, Krystal Karsch; son and daughter-in-law, Calvin and Devenie Karsch; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Diana Karsch; sister and brother-in-law, Paula and John Scofield; brothers and sisters-in-law, Martin and Laurel Karsch, Kim and Kate Karsch.
He was preceded by his father, Gustav; his loving mother Dorothy; and brother and sister-in-law, Willard, Sr. and Freyja Karsch.
Although God needed this beautiful angel, his love and spirit will live on forever in this world and in our hearts.
You can leave your thoughts, pictures and memories here as well as find Celebration of Life details. : http://www.never-gone.com/Memorials/?m=sh1aJvPdVncZR1zNgkaLog%3d%3d Details for his Celebration of Life will be on this page as well.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
One day I was leaving work carrying two boxes. Don saw me and ran to the rescue to carry the boxes. Unbeknownst to him, they were empty! He was always there to serve. We had a good laugh.
Daphne K.
Daphne Kivinen
Coworker
February 3, 2021
I'll always remember Don as someone who was willing to jump in and help! A deep, thoughtful, and compassionate soul! Don would help out at the Gifford Pinchot F.H. Front Desk, at the Fair, and Sportsman's Show booths! His assistance was ALWAYS appreciated!!
My deepest regards!!
Roger Peterson
February 25, 2020
I had the privilege to know Don as a fellow Professional Land Surveyor. We both were Land Surveyors with the Forest Service, serving long and rewarding careers. Don and I shared many conversations about projects and I respected his professional opinion. I also enjoyed our interactions at many workshops and we solved many complicated issues at the local pub in the evening. To Don's family thanks for sharing him with us all. Leland Fischer,PLS retired
Leland Fischer
February 23, 2020
Sad to hear. We worked together on the Gifford Pinchot NF. He was always busy, but never too busy for a question, quick chat, or fun comment. So sorry for your loss.
Barbara Hollenbeck
February 12, 2020
I'm sorry for your loss and pray for your comfort and strength. I had the privilege of working with Don at HDR and am thankful for his professionalism and great work. I'm also glad I got to see him outside of work a couple times rooting for the Timbers.
Geoff P
February 10, 2020
I worked with Don until he retired and was grateful for his help explaining topics in a way a non-surveyor could understand. I also enjoyed talking to him about boats and boating, and I hoped he would have more adventures in retirement. I'll miss his visits to his old office and catching up. I'm sorry for his loss.
Don M
February 10, 2020
I worked with Don at the GP. What a great guy. Always fun and caring! I didn't realize that we retired the same year. Such sad news.
Daphne
February 9, 2020
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