Carolyn Ann Middendorf, 83 of Monona, Iowa passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon, Iowa. Carolyn was born Oct. 24, 1941, in Maynard, Iowa, to Harold and Mildred (Steege) Meyer. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa.
After graduating from West Central High School in 1960, she attended Upper Iowa University and graduated in 1963 with a degree in elementary education. Carolyn taught school at Parkersburg, Ankeny, and Waverly-Shell Rock. She met the love of her life, Jim Middendorf, while attending Upper Iowa University and they were married on June 7, 1964, at St. Peter Church in Westgate. Three children were born to their union: Sherri, Neil, and Brian. After taking time off to raise a family, she resumed teaching at M-F-L schools in 1976. She taught 3rd grade, 4th grade and Title 1, retiring in 1999. Carolyn had a great love for her students and wanted to see them achieve to the best of their ability.
She enjoyed walking, playing bridge (especially with the GABS group), bike-riding, reading the Wall Street Journal and trips to Florida. In 2011 Carolyn became a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church. She cherished the time spent with her six granddaughters and two great grandchildren.
Surviving Carolyn are her husband, James Middendorf of Monona, Iowa; her children, Sherri (Keith) Johnson of Luana, Iowa, Neil (Rochelle) Middendorf of Canton, Minnesota and Brian (Kristie) Middendorf of Estero, Florida; Six granddaughters, Kelsey (Dario) McHaney, Megan (Joe) Koehn, Taylor Middendorf, Haleigh Middendorf, Jaden Middendorf and Emma Middendorf; two great-children, Brynleigh McHaney and Dario McHaney lll; siblings, Jean (Eldon) Knoploh of Oelwein, Iowa and Donald (Dee) Meyer of Maynard, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Donna Bartheld of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Sandy (Richard) Drake of St. Joseph, Missouri; and her nieces and nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mildred Meyer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gerald Middendorf, Jerry Bartheld, Everett and Jean Ann Stahl and Robert and Donna Middendorf.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Northgate Care Center, Crossing Rivers Health and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care and compassion that Carolyn received the past 18 months.
Memorials can be directed to Murphy Helwig Library of Monona, M-F-L Ambulance or Faith Lutheran.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am with a visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Pastor Christopher Staley as the officiant. Lunch following services.
Interment will follow in the Monona City Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.