Carolyn Kay Kohl

Carolyn Kay (Keller) Kohl, 81, of Tipton, Iowa, died in her sleep on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home, Tipton, where she resided for the past two years. All services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. and funeral services at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a light luncheon and cremation rites being accorded. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. Carolyn was a past supporter of Friends of the Animals, Tipton, Iowa, where a memorial fund has been established in lieu of sending flowers or plants. Donations may be mailed to Carolyn Gritton, 1137 Garfield Ave., Tipton, IA 52772. Carolyn was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on March 8, 1941, to Chalmer Everett and Irene Jeanette (Rupe) Keller, of Buchanan, Iowa. She had a younger brother, Gary, who preceded her in death in 2007. Carolyn grew up on a heritage farm with milk cows, hogs, and many other animals, including a pet goose. She attended and graduated from Tipton High School in 1959 and went on to graduate from AIC Business School in Davenport. Carolyn was a secretary at Northwestern Mutual for two years before marrying classmate, William "Bill" Howe Kohl, Jr. in Tipton on Dec. 29, 1962. She worked as a secretary/bookkeeper in Tipton, and then retired from the University of Iowa after 15 years as an Executive Secretary in Academic Affairs and the Graduate College in 2000. Carolyn and Bill had two daughters, Carolyn Ann and Courtenay Kay, and two grandchildren, Taylor and Spencer Gritton. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her groups of friends (from time spent at the UI and from Tipton). Carolyn and Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motorhome, as well as taking numerous day trips or long weekends more locally. They had a number of pets over the years that were special to them. She thoroughly enjoyed working in her yard, where she had multiple amazing flower beds and spent countless hours at keeping the yard looking so beautiful for years. Carolyn and Bill celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29, 2022, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home sharing a champagne brunch. Carolyn leaves behind husband, Bill; daughters, Carolyn (Roger) Gritton and Courtenay (Don) Villhauer; grandchildren, Taylor and Spencer Gritton â€" all from Tipton; and many friends and relatives. She was a sweet, kind, gentle woman who was loved by many. She will be dearly missed.