Caren Ann Bichsel

Caren Bichsel, 75, of Idaho Falls, passed away on November 04, 2021, at Idaho Community Hospital, due to complications from Covid-19.

Caren was born to Elmer and Charlotte Bichsel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 1, 1945. She grew up and attended Catholic schools in Wisconsin, California, and Nevada.

Caren was formerly married to Bob Porter, and together, they had one child, Lisa L. Porter. Caren then married John Brinsfield, and together, they had a child, Tina Sherree Brinsfield. Caren and John were later divorced.

Caren had once worked for Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked with and trained the monkeys. She loved to joke and say that she really did “run away and join the Circus.” She loved to tell stories of her time with the Circus, including stories of one monkey in particular that she was close to named “Boobie.” Caren was also one of the first females to become a truck driver and prided herself in her work, as well as her looks to make sure she didn’t blend in with the men on the job.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa L. Porter, and her children, Steven (Jenny) Mortensen, Keith Mortensen, Shaun Newkirk, Mark (Jessie) Mortensen, Justin (Amanda) Newkirk, Evan Newkirk, Amanda Newkirk, Candace (Anthony) Weeks, Crystal Heiner, and Laura (Cody) Smout; her daugher, Sherree (Eric Horner) Weber and their children, Mercedes (Benjamin) Sergeant, Stormy Weber, Tavish (Maygan) Weber, Journey Weber, and Tharren Weber; her siblings, Jim Bichsel, Candace Bichsel, and Dennis (Darlene) Bichsel; as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who she loved and adored.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Charlotte “Charlie” Bichsel; her grandson, Christopher Hollway; as well as her uncles, aunts, and grandparents.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Idaho Community Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during Caren’s stay. They would also like to thank the staff at QualiCare Home Health, especially Theresa, her aide, who helped her immensely up until her hospitalization.

We will be scattering Caren’s ashes in Las Vegas in a private ceremony at a spot that was meaningful to her. A small memorial service will be held and is TBD.