Carolyn Jean Gritsch

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dearest mother, Carol Jean Gritsch, who left us peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 89. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Carol was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 24, 1936. Her parents named her Carol after a Christmas carol, a perfect name for a baby born on Christmas Eve.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar A. Lusch and Ruth Irene Allen; her stepmother, Kay; her beloved husband, Gerald; her sister, Kathy; and her brother, Edgar Adam Lusch Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Egbert; her children, Jeffrey Gritsch, Cheryl Robb, and Mark Gritsch; her bonus son, David Haag; her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Gritsch; her grandchildren, Crystal West, Jessica Smelser, Chelsie Gates, Shantel Good, Emily Gritsch, and Gary Gritsch; seven great-grandchildren; and her great-great-grandson, Koehn.

Carol grew up in San Mateo, California. She met Jerry when she was just 13 years old and he was 15. For their first date, Jerry’s mom drove them to a skating rink, along with his younger sister Judy. Jerry’s impressive dance-skating moves caught Carol’s attention right away, while Judy kindly held Carol’s hand as she tried skating for the very first time.

Both Carol and Jerry later attended Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Their parents were overjoyed when they decided to marry and supported them with a full college education. They were married in San Mateo, California, on September 1, 1956, and shared 54 wonderful years together before Jerry’s passing in 2010. Many of their lifelong friendships began during those college years.

Carol loved reminiscing about the homes they shared over the years. One of her favorites was the house they built in Oregon for $17,000. They began raising their children in Oregon before returning to California prior to the kids starting high school. Their first home in California, across from the Douras family, became the setting for countless family adventures.

Carol and Cheryl kept right up with the boys on weekly motorcycle camping trips, and the family later purchased a cabin in Lake Tahoe to support their sons’ snow ski racing competitions.

Anyone who knew the Gritsch family would agree their lives could fill not just one book, but a whole series of stories and adventures.

Carol lived a full and fearless life. She was always willing to try something new, with Jerry right by her side as her biggest supporter.

Her adventures took her around the world. She loved scuba diving and explored waters in China, Portugal, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and the Galápagos Islands. One of her most incredible experiences was touching a blue whale while it slept. She also enjoyed hang gliding with her son Jeff.

Her love for horses was just as strong. Carol drove her own horse trailer to shows, earned numerous awards, and qualified for national championships. Her skills included dressage, jumping, endurance, precision riding, western riding, circles, and sliding stops.

Jerry delighted in spoiling Carol with treasures from around the world. She built beautiful collections of jewelry, Lladró figurines, cranberry glass, cuckoo clocks, copper statues, and antiques.

Carol adored animals of every kind—from sea to sky—and her dogs were especially dear to her heart. Even at 88 years old, after the loss of her beloved Panda, Carol was determined she would have another dog.

Most of all, Carol adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her newest great-great-grandbaby, Koehn.

Carol and Jerry returned to Oregon in 2003 to be closer to family, where they created lasting memories in their distinctive home along the Willamette River, enjoying some of the most beautiful views imaginable.

After Jerry’s passing, Carol moved back to California to spend her later years. When her son Mark visited, they shared many evenings enjoying their favorite tradition of oyster-hopping—something they never tired of.

Carol kept her sharp wit to the very end. She loved teasing, joking, and laughing. She could be a bit cantankerous at times, but she always said she had earned that right—after all, she had been wonderfully spoiled by life’s many treasures.

Our hearts are broken, along with those of so many family members and friends who loved her dearly. Carol will always be remembered for her strength, her adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Carol left this earth with a smile on her face and we already feel her spirit surrounding us. Her son Jeff called from Colombia the minute she passed. He said he felt it.

Carol’s family will gather privately to celebrate her life, sharing cherished memories and honoring the final wishes that she held dear to her.

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