Meichen Elise Plumhoff passed away in a boating accident on July 20, 2025, at the age of 34, leaving a huge hole in many hearts.
Born December 18, 1990, to Terri Leigh Karkau and Uwe Plumhoff in Vancouver, Washington, Meichen brought laughter and sunshine to her family with her joy of life, intensity in everything she delved into, and a deep love of animals and nature at a young age. She fought passionately when peace was interrupted, politically and environmentally.
Meichen graduated from La Center (Washington) High School in 2008, and from Western Washington University in 2015 with a bachelor degree in environmental sciences.
Her first job was working for NOAA as an Observer on all types of commercial fishing vessels in Alaska.
Meichen’s independent, adventurous character took her on many solo journeys, first of which was riding her bicycle from Bellingham, Washington, to Smithers, British Columbia, and from Grants Pass, Oregon, to Montana to volunteer on organic farms through the WWOOF organization. Following this, she ventured to Sweden and hiked the Kungsleden Trail, a 270-mile hiking trail in the Swedish Mountains.
She then followed her heart back to Alaska, where she worked restoring hiking trails and as a commercial fisherman. She landed in Sitka, where she became a vibrant member of this tight community. She worked for Sitka Trail Works as a Trail Crew Lead, on many local fishing boats, and at the historic Pioneer (P Bar) Bar. It was there she met her partner, Cameron.
"The void that is left in our lives is massive, unimaginable, and forever," her family wrote.
She is survived by her mother, Terri L. Karkau, and her father, Uwe Plumhoff (Patty Reuter); beloved sisters Heidi Plumhoff and Britta Plumhoff; and adored nieces and nephew Anayah, Aviel and Ember Barasa. "There was so much more to do with you."
A private ceremony was held for immediate family at Recompose Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington. Celebrations of her life were held August 14 at Halibut Point Recreation Area in Sitka, and on August 23 at Sternwheeler Park Gazebo in La Center.
Memorial donations can be made to Sitka Trail Works in Sitka, or Columbia Kids Co-Op Preschool in Battle Ground, Washington.
