Carol Irene "Miller" Moritz

Carol Irene (Miller) Moritz, the daughter of Orval and Myrle (Reed) Miller, was born October 19, 1937, in Beatrice, NE.

Carol passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love on January 6, 2026, at the age of 88.

Growing up in Iowa, Carol and her younger brother, Donny, helped on the family farm, including driving tractors and caring for the animals. In school, her love of music was nurtured through choir and as a contest accompanist. She was also a librarian and active in class plays, yearbook staff, and pep club. Carol graduated high school in 1955 from Swea City, IA.

Carol attended Waldorf College in Forest City, where she worked 40-hour weeks to pay for college. While working in the college kitchen, she met Robert Dwain Moritz. Carol graduated with honors in 1957, and they married on August 17, 1958. Together, they built a loving foundation for their family, supporting each other and those around them through over 66 years of marriage.

Carol received her Teacher's Certificate in 1957 and taught in Buffalo Center, IA. As Bob attended seminary, she continued teaching in the Twin Cities, MN. In Milroy, MN, she taught until they welcomed their son, Stephen. Carol stayed home with their growing family, as Valorie and Stephanie were born while in Ottawa, IL, from 1968-1972. The family settled in Hadley, MN, where Carol taught for many years in Slayton, first as a Title 1 teacher, then a full-time second-grade teacher.

A devoted church musician, she served as organist and pianist and wrote and directed Sunday School Christmas programs for eight years. For fourteen years, she also organized and presented music programs for DAC, rest homes, churches, and other community organizations.

Throughout her 39-year teaching career, Carol attended night school to complete additional degrees and certificates. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Augustana College and later her M.S. from Mankato State University. She also earned her EMT Certificate and later her ESL License from Hamline University. In addition, Carol shared her knowledge by mentoring several student teachers. Her passion for learning led her to teach summer school, evening, and weekend classes.

Carol's drive and determination to help others were reflected in the many leadership roles she held. She co-founded WonderWorld Preschool, chose its name, and served as its chairwoman. She was president of the SW Minnesota Reading Council, and organized and attended many national Science Fair trips while fostering curiosity and discovery.

Carol's hands moved easily between the piano and her many creative pursuits, including crafts and crocheting, sewing, and knitting afghans, towels, and clothes for her family. She loved learning traditional recipes from around the world, which became treasured family favorites. Carol enjoyed a lifelong love of music, gardening, genealogy, antiquing, and reading. She also enjoyed studying Spanish and cherished the time she quilted with her mom.

Carol and Bob passed on their love of adventure and travel by tent camping with their kids and exploring 48 states. They also traveled through Europe and opened their home to eight exchange students who quickly became like family, building lifelong friendships that crossed cultures, countries, and beliefs. Carol and Bob even traveled to Central America on a mission trip to support those in need.

Above all, Carol loved her family, especially her grandkids. She was always there to cheer them on, ask what they were discovering, or share in their latest interests. Even from afar, she stayed close through calls, FaceTimes, photos, and visits. She also looked forward to speaking Spanish with parents of their exchange students, who became close friends.

Carol believed learning and music should be lifelong joys, never limited to a classroom. She poured those same gifts into her family through teaching, nurturing, and encouraging them, often through song and piano. She left every life she touched richer for having known her.

Family members left to cherish her memory include her three children: Stephen (Ann Wolf) Moritz of Granite Falls, MN, Valorie (Gary) Larsson of Grinnell, IA, and Stephanie (Michael) Moran of Clive, IA. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Nicole Galles, Michael (Christina), Erica, Taylor, and Nicholas Moritz; Hans and Thea Larsson; and Matthew, Anthony, and Mason Moran; and five great-grandchildren: Kiana, Tara, Tylinn, Kayson, and Kinley. Family members also include her sisters-in-law Irene Miller and Gloria Moritz, brother-in-law James (Harriett Ramy) Moritz, and several nephews and nieces and their families. Their exchange student family members include Josua, Ramon, Stephane, Jean George, Manuel, Ruben, Mari Carmen, and Marek.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (July 2025), her parents Orval and Myrle, her brother Donald, parents-in-law Hans and Edna Moritz, sister-in-law Mary Ann Moritz, brothers-in-law Ronald, Kenneth, Leonard, and Dale Moritz, and two of her husband's infant siblings, Virginia and Dennis.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Hadley Lutheran Church in Hadley, MN at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Robert Ossefoort officiating. Interment is at Highland Home Cemetery in Hadley, MN. Visitation will be on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. also one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com