Obituary of Jennie R. Carlen
Jennie R. (Loeser) Carlen passed away on October 4, 2019. She was born on March 22, 1930 to William H. Loeser and Gertrude Kirchknopf Loeser in Crescent, ID. Jennie was the youngest of 8 children; all growing up on their parent’s ranch homestead near Southwick. Jennie met Bud (Daryl) Carlen in Elk River, ID in 1951. They honeymooned by driving through Mexico to the southern border. Jennie was a homemaker and Bud was a logger, a construction worker, and an excellent musician. They lived in Spokane, Bonners Ferry, and Clarkia, ID. In 1953, Bud and Dana’s mother passed away, and she had asked Jennie and Bud to raise her youngest son, Dana, who was 5 years old. Jennie, Bud, and Dana lived in Spokane and Bonners Ferry, but moved to Clarkia in 1955, where they lived for over 60 years.
Jennie was an artist, a painter, a great cook, and a reader of many books. She had a beautiful flower garden in Clarkia, and loved to feed the birds in her many bird feeders. She also had a great love for all animals – especially her Alaskan Malamute, Yukon. Jennie was full of spunk and humor, and also not shy about expressing her opinion! She had many friends and wonderful neighbors. She lost her hearing gradually, and for the last 10+ years of her life, coped with being deaf by carrying a white board everywhere she went for people to write on for her. Bud passed away in 2017, and Jennie moved from their home in Clarkia to Valley Vista Care Center in St. Maries, ID. She kept things lively there, and spent many hours enjoying the company of the resident cat, Gypsy.
Jennie was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bud Carlen; her 3 brothers, 4 sisters, and brother in-law Dale Carlen. She is survived by her adopted son Dana (Jean) Carlen and their 5 children – Marcheta (Brian) Keen, Markell (Casey) Rake, Ben (Katrina) Carlen, Josh (Diana) Carlen, and Nick (Rachel) Carlen. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and many grandchildren. Along with many dear friends and neighbors who visited her, cared for her, and loved her as she was.
At Jennie’s request, there will be no funeral. Jennie requested her ashes be buried at the Loeser family cemetery plot in Southwick, ID. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hopes Haven, 53 Robinson Lane, St. Maries, ID 83861.
