Carolyn Lea Schmidt

Carolyn Lea Schmidt, 74, of Grundy Center died of cancer after a difficult four-year struggle at Creekside Living in Grundy Center on Friday, March 15, 2024. A memorial visitation will be held at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center, on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Private inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the American Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

  She was born April 5, 1949, to Carl and Leola (Flater) Schmidt. She graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1967. She attended Wartburg College and Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in elementary education in 1971.  She taught a total of 33 years, for some years in the Wyoming, Iowa school district, then for several years at a Christian school in Waterloo. She then attended the University of Iowa and received her master’s degree in education in 1980.  Then she taught special reading skills for 24 years in the Fort Dodge school system. After taking an early retirement, she taught ESL for a time at the community college level, and also did some tutoring, and hospital volunteer work.  In her retirement, she spent much of her time assisting her parents as they aged.

  Carolyn was raised in the Lutheran church and her Christian faith was always very important to her, as well as participation in her local churches for most of her life. She loved music, especially Christian music. She played several musical instruments, including the piano, guitar, clarinet, and recorder. She enjoyed the company of several special canine companions over the years. In earlier years, she liked to play tennis and golf, and was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye’s fan. She liked to watch her flowers grow every year.  She traveled to several fun vacation spots with friends, and she loved to visit with friends on the phone and in person.

  Carolyn is survived by her sister, Becky, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, many aunts, uncles, and some cousins. 

Click here to visit the Abels Funeral & Cremation Service website.