Caroline Elizabeth Koschmann

Caroline Elizabeth Koschmann, 86, of Independence Village, Midland, passed away on Oct. 20. 2015, being called Home to her Lord after a lengthy illness. Caroline was born on March 24, 1929 to Harold and Laura (Lewig) Rolen, in Detroit.

She was educated in the Detroit and Plymouth public schools, and graduated as valedictorian of her Plymouth High School class in 1946. Caroline attended Valparaiso University in Indiana. There she met Norbert Koschmann, a returning World War II veteran. Upon his graduation from Valparaiso, they were married in 1948 and moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Norbert was employed by Lustron Corporation.

Caroline worked briefly as a library assistant, but left for the birth of her first child, Ann, in August of 1949. The Koschmanns returned to the Detroit area where they were able to purchase their first home in Dearborn. They remained in Dearborn until 1954, when they moved to Royal Oak, their home until 1963. They moved to Rochester where they built a larger home for their family of seven.

In 1966, the family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, which led to many interesting and educational experiences, and deep mission outreach to the Brazilian Lutheran Church. After their youngest child graduated from high school in 1976, the family returned to Michigan. Upon their return to the United States, Caroline was able to complete her college education at Oakland University, and then worked at Sears offices in Rochester and Troy until her retirement in 1990.

Her primary interest continued to be the education and progress of her children and grandchildren. She was active in all the churches she attended throughout the years and sang in many choirs. Caroline enjoyed her summers at their cottage in Oscoda, with many friends and family.

Caroline is survived by her husband of 67 years, Norbert; children: Ann (David) Zachrich, Gail (Donald) Block, Christina (Jeffery) Precup, Mark (Barbara) Koschmann, and Eric (Marcia) Koschmann: sister Mary (Dale) Burns; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Multiple nieces, nephews and friends will also greatly miss her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Laura Rolen; her sister, Julie Rolen; and one granddaughter, Erin Block.

A memorial service for Caroline will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Church, 505 E. Carpenter Street, with the Rev. Daniel Kempin officiating. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the service. Caroline's ashes will be distributed in Oscoda. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Lutheran Child and Family Services, 304 N. Tuscola Road, Bay City, Mich., 48708, or Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, 8131 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Mich., 48214. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors.