Karin Goesser

Karin Goesser of Saranac Lake, formerly of Cranberry Lake, passed away after a short illness on October 11th, 2023 in West Hartford, CT. She had recently moved there to be closer to her daughter, Julia Assaiante, and Julia's family. In addition to Julia, she is survived by her daughters Sabine Vossen and Gisela Vigener-Emonds, both of Aachen, Germany, Birgit Gösser of Benicassim, Spain, and her sons Manfred Vigener of Kerkrade, Holland, and Niklas Vigener of Sudbury, MA, her sister Helen (Ute) Grandia of Albany, and by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a community of friends in the North Country. She was predeceased by her husband, Lutz Goesser, and her son Christoph Vigener.

Karin was born on September 19th, 1936 in Danzig, Germany, to Kurt Schneider, a shipping merchant and infantry officer, and his wife Anna Schneider. Kurt and Anna fled East Germany with their children and eventually moved to the United States, while Karin stayed behind and settled in Aachen, Germany. She and Lutz moved to Northern New York in 1985 and had homes in Cranberry Lake and Saranac Lake.

Like many young people in post-war Europe, Karin had to leave school to work and help support her family. While she was deprived of formal education, she turned into a voracious autodidactic learner and reader who set high expectations for herself and her family. With her help, guidance, support, and encouragement, her children embarked on educational journeys that were beyond her reach. She raised a philosophy student, a doctor, a geologist, a teacher, a professor, and an engineer. She was also a loving and encouraging presence in the lives of her grandchildren.

Karin and Lutz were beloved community members in Cranberry Lake and Saranac Lake, and at the Adirondack Regional Airport. Karin will be remembered for her outstanding German cooking and baking, her lovingly maintained garden, and her talent for creating a sense of home and community wherever she went. She will also be remembered for her sense of style and elegance, for whether at a formal dinner, an evening out with friends at the Cranberry Lake Inn, or driving with Lutz to Aldi, Karin was always at the top of any ‘best dressed’ list. Mostly though, she will be remembered for the grace and dignity she brought to all aspects of her life; the love, attention, and kindness she showered on her many friends and grandchildren, and the support and friendship she offered unconditionally to all in her orbit.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Burial and a short graveside service will be on October 29th at 11 AM at the Cranberry Lake Cemetery. The Interment will be followed by a reception at the Cranberry Lake Fire Hall. Her family encourages donations In Karin and Lutz's name to North Country Life Flight (www.northcountrylifeflight.org) and to Cranberry Lake Fire and Rescue (www.cranberrylakefire.org). Family and friends can also share a memory, send a condolence and sign the on-line guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.