Carol Dolezal

Carol J. Dolezal, 78, of Morgan died Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Season’s hospice in Redwood Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, September 16, 2016, from 5 until 7 p.m., at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Morgan. Visitation will continue on Saturday, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., at the church.

The family prefers memorials be directed to Season’s in Redwood Falls or Hope Lodge in Rochester.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com .

Carol Jean Dolezal, the daughter of Roy and Jean (Stitz) Schmitz, was born May 8, 1938 in Seaforth, Minnesota. Carol grew up in rural Delhi and Belview, graduating from Belview High School in May 1956.

On June 23, 1956, Carol married Daniel Dolezal. They made their home in the Olivia area, later moving to Loretto and Minneapolis before settling in Morgan. Carol was first and foremost a wonderful mother to her five children. She and Dan owned and operated the Morgan Bowling Alley; later Carol worked for Control Data/Zytec/Artysen. After 20 years of employment with Artysen, Carol retired in June 2006.

Carol was able to be very active following Dan’s death. She found such joy being involved in Bone Builders, New Horizons, card club, coffee time with friends, Birthday Club, and more. She was a Banana BINGO volunteer at Gil-Mor Manor. Carol was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Morgan. Church was important in Carol’s life; if they needed a volunteer, she was there. She had a kind heart and judged no one. Carol talked to everyone and made sure that her children did the same. She loved to dance and sing – Carol and Dan could really “cut a rug” together. Carol loved to eat, but didn’t necessarily like to cook. Her Christmas Eve soup and dressing (with gizzards) were a family favorite. Special K bars were her specialty – family fights were known to break out over them. (And you had better use real Special K and chunky peanut butter!)

Carol was an avid reader of all types of books. She LOVED following the Minnesota Twins. It didn’t matter if they were winning or losing – she watched every game to the end. Carol was a hands-on grandma and great-grandma. She went to their events and hung their pictures and art on her refrigerator. Carol made sure each grandchild and great-grandchild felt special.

Carol is survived by her children Monica (Robert) Sandmann of Morgan, Joy Draeger of Redwood Falls, Daniel (Marcia) Dolezal Jr. of Morgan, Anthony (Susan) Dolezal of Redwood Falls, and Julie (Robert) Otto of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Justin (Nicki) Sandmann, Carly Kleinschmidt, Ben Sandmann, Jared Dolezal, Jessica (Jordan) Bottelberghe, Drew (Jamie) West, Hannah Draeger, Caitlin Dolezal, Haley Dolezal, Nolan Otto, and Elanee Otto; great-grandchildren Lauryn Menk, Reagyn Kleinschmidt, Brynn and Asher Sandmann, Austin Dolezal, and Brontè and Aspen Bottelberghe; and brother Glenn (Fran) Schmitz of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her husband Daniel Dolezal Sr. in May 2012; and beloved pets Sage, Toby and Opie.

Blessed be her memory.