Carol Ann Chorley

Carol Ann Sieling Chorley

Carol Chorley, 63, a 40 year Lutheran school teacher and resident of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away on August 12, 2024, after an extended battle with cancer. Carol was born on Christmas Eve in 1960, and was welcomed home by her parents Arlin and Elaine Sieling and four older siblings. She was baptized in January of 1961, and she confirmed her faith in May of 1975. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in her elementary years, and then Perham public schools where she graduated with the Class of 1979. 

Carol then went off to Concordia College in St. Paul where she played baritone in the band and majored in Elementary Ed. After graduating in the spring of 1983, she received a call to teach at Redeemer Lutheran school in Stuart, Florida, where she lived and taught for 22 years. During that time she taught 4th grade and directed a children’s puppet ministry as well as a clown ministry! She also met her husband Tom Chorley, and they were married in 1992. 

After experiencing TWO major hurricanes one week apart, she and Tom decided to move home to Minnesota! Carol took a 4th grade job at Zion Lutheran School in Alexandria – a job she loved. She hated to resign in 2023 due to her health. Carol loved gardening, painting, and was a dedicated cat owner. 

Carol was a wonderfully caring aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews. Although she lived in Florida, she always came home for Christmas with gifts. All of them recall the year Carol made individualized shirts for each one with their name and something that reflected their personality. As they grew older, Carol took time to get to know them as young adults, and often had lengthy conversations with them at family gatherings.

Carol was predeceased by her father, Arlin, her step-father Lyle, her mother Elaine, sister-in-law Deb (Sieling), and aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her loving husband Tom, sister Bonnie (Del) Stohs, brothers Bob, John (Annette), and Dan (Lori), Tom’s step-sons Karl and Steve, Tom’s cousin, Terri; along with her nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. 

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday evening, August 15, from 5-7 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation continues at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Friday morning, August 16, from 10-11 a.m. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran School and Church.