Karolmae Violet Holtorf (Karau) loving mother, grandmother went home to be with God December 31, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her children were at her side.
Karol Holtorf was born in Shakopee, MN on May 27, 1943. As a child her family moved to Rochester, Mn where she lived until moving to Houston, TX in 1985 to be near her first born grandchild. She has two sisters that she loves dearly Betty Olson (James) of Parkersburg, IA and Shirley Johnson of Embarress, MN.
She is survived by her children Angela McConnell and husband Bruce of Hallettsville, TX; David Holtorf and wife Lori of Byron, MN; June Alper and husband Gregg of League City, TX. Karol’s devotion in life was to her 10 grandchildren, Noah McConnell, Arnold Normand, Hunter McConnell, Joseph McConnell, Starr (Brent) Warndahl, Joshua (Marion) Holtorf, Brooke (Brandon) Scharberg, Sophie Alper, William Alper, and Ian Alper. She felt blessed to have met her first great-grand daughter, Avery Warndahl, born in June. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, singing and teaching her grandchildren arts and crafts. She is preceded in death by her parents, step-father and her devoted cat Squeak.
Karol retired from IBM after 15+ years of service. Her passions were dancing, antiquing, and fishing. Her final wishes were to have her ashes spread on the Mississippi River at Wabasha, MN where she spent many happy days fishing. Karol will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718
Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
or
The Salvation Army, Rochester
P.O. Box 575
Rochester, MN 55903.
Karol Holtorf's Memorial Service.
Date: August 1, 2009
Time: 11:00AM
Where: Wabasha, MN Beach Park http://www.wabasha.org/ at the Gazebo
Memorial: We plan to have a Memorial Service where we will share special memories of Karol's life (open to everyone). Then Karol's children and her sisters will board a small vessel and release her remains at the spot she choose, while those on shore watch in thoughtful prayer. We will also be planting a tree in memory of Mom before moving to the AmericanInn for lunch where we will continue to share stories and pictures. A slide show presentation of her life will be viewed just before lunch. All are invited to spend the day with us.
Accommodations: We will be staying at the AmericanInn Both Friday and Saturday evenings.
Here is a website that lists hotels and B&B's in the area as well: http://www.wabasha.org/
Most family members are staying at the American Inn of Wabasha 800-396-5007
You may bring a lawn chair for the service at the park.
Please forward this information onto other family members. Please call one of us to let us know if you plan to join us for lunch so we can plan accordingly.
God Bless,
Angela, David and June
