Carol Lucille Olson Rindfleisch, 81, of Southbury, CT, passed away on November 3, 2013, at peace following a decade-long journey with Parkinson’s Disease.
She is survived by her husband Norval W. Rindfleisch and children Mary Rindfleisch (Joe Keneally) of Sherman, CT, Julie Granville (Kevin Granville) of Sussex, NJ, Kate McGrath (Tom McGrath) of Drexel Hill, PA and Joe Rindfleisch of Cambridge, MA.
“Muzzy” was very proud of her grandchildren Nora, Jane and Peter Granville and Hannah and Sarah McGrath. She is also survived by her siblings Janice Torbert of Sioux Falls, SD, Judy Ahlers of Dell Rapids, SD and Charles Olson of Arlington, SD and their families.
Carol was born in 1932 in Arlington, SD, oldest daughter of Edwin and Frances Karlstad Olson and was raised on the family farm. In her early twenties she embarked on an adventure, traveling with a few school friends to live and work in California, where she soon met and married Norval in 1954. Their travels together continued for nearly 60 years.
Connecticut and New Hampshire were their principal homes, but Norval’s career as a student, teacher and writer also offered them the opportunity to sample life in California, Chicago, Florida, New Orleans, Virginia and numerous winter destinations on southern beaches.
Carol served for many years as a dedicated faculty wife, dorm mother and member of the school community, first at Pomfret School and then at Phillips Exeter Academy. She was a muse and helpmate to Norval in his writing career.
After her children were all in school, Carol returned to the classroom herself, earning an associate’s degree in Library Science and a BA in History (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire. Her subsequent professional career included several positions at the University of New Hampshire and at Phillips Exeter Academy, most notably in the history department at UNH and as executive assistant to the Library Director at PEA.
Following retirement, Carol and Norv returned to the Midwest to spend time with Carol’s family, settling in Brookings, SD, where Carol operated the Bangor Hills Bed and Breakfast for several years.
Carol was a whiz at Scrabble and other word games and an avid reader and lover of music. Her quiet exterior was belied by an incredible inner strength and determination, and she continually surprised and delighted acquaintances with her dry Norwegian wit.
For online condolences, visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com