Carol Elizabeth Preisendorfer

Carol Elizabeth Priesendorfer (nee McKechnie), Our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passes away one day after her 83rd birthday. She was born on Dec. 25th, 1935 and passed away one day after her 83rd birthday, Dec 26th, 2019. With her passing we are given the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and a life well-lived.

Carol was born in Calvin ND at home on Christmas Day to Alexander and Ruth McKechnie and grew up in Sioux Falls South Dakota. She graduated from Springfield Junior College and taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. She moved to Tehachapi CA. in 1950 with her first husband and two children: Daniel Kraft and Sherrill Kraft.

After the divorce she meet the real love of her life, Edward Paul Preisendorfer on a blind date in December of 1970. They were married on October 1, 1971 in the chapel in Yosemite National Park. Her family now would include Ed's three children: Mark Preisendorfer, Steven Preisendorfer and Gary Preisendorfer. She then attended Fresno State University and graduated with a California State Teachers credential. Carol taught at Tehachapi High School for 20 years teaching Senior Class Requirements i.e. U.S. Government.

Carol owned and managed a specialty yarn shop and taught classes on every level. She never had idle hands: knitting garments, toys, blankets, expert needlework in many mediums, sewing and quilting for every member of the clan (five children, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren).

Upon retirement in 1991, Carol and Ed purchased a motor home and began to travel across these great Untied States from border to border, coast to coast and Alaska to Mexico. In the summer of 1995 they moved to Grants Pass Oregon where they purchased a lovely home overlooking the Rogue river. Carol said that the minute she walked through the doors that she 'felt like I had come home'. She and Ed joined the Western Welcome Newcomers Club and soon got involved in many activities and made many new friends. At one point she was the club President.

Carol was an ardent reader, 5-9 books a month. She belonged to two book clubs, was an expert quilter, played Mah Jong, Pinochle and started a knitting club. She and Ed made many trips around the world including most of Europe, a month-long trip to China and Tibet as well as many trips south to CA and across the U.S. to visit family and friends.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 47 years Ed Preisendorfer, son Dan Kraft of Marietta GA, daughter Sherrill Adams of McKinleyville CA, stepsons Mark Preisendorfer of Tehachapi CA, Steven Preisendorfer of Mojave CA and Gary Preisendorfer of Helena AL, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grand children, brothers John McKechnie Kirkland WA, David McKechnie Sioux Falls SD and sister-in-law Diane Andruszko Brick NJ.

If you would like to honor Carol's life donations can be made to 'The Rogue Valley Boys and Girls Club' of Grants Pass.

A Celebration of Life is planned for July 13, 2019 at their home.