Carol Ann Gronewold, 86, of Carthage, passed away at 2:48 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Maple Grove Memory Care in Carthage.

Carol was born on June 25, 1940, the daughter of Larry T. O’Connell and Doris Lucille Bernard in Chicago, Illinois. On August 13, 1960, she was united in marriage to George Gronewold of Basco, Illinois. They were married for 20 years. Carol attended Community High School in Carthage, Illinois, graduating in 1958. She went on to attend Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa. On December 20, 1973, Carol received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Quincy College, then went on to receive her master’s in education from Western Illinois University in 1987. She was an elementary school teacher for 12 years in the Southeastern school district. In August of 1987, Carol moved to Clearwater, Florida and taught Middle School. She returned to Carthage in 1990 and became an instructor and coordinator at Carl Sandburg College in Carthage. Carol later became the director of the campus and served in that position for 12 years before retiring.

Carol was once very active in the Immaculate Conception Parish, serving as lector, rosary coordinator, and on the pastoral council. She was a generous volunteer for Carthage Memorial Hospital where she also served as a board member. Carol was a volunteer for Foods for Thought, Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum and at the Iowa City VA Hospital.

Carol loved spending time with her family and planning events for her grandchildren, like Halloween parties at her house, scavenger hunts for Easter, and taking them on special trips. Carol also loved traveling, playing golf, bridge club with her friends, and curling up on the couch with a book and her beloved dog Buddy.

Carol is survived by her daughter-in-law Marla Gronewold of Carthage, son Joe (Connie) Gronewold of Quincy, daughter Jeanne Gronewold of Quincy, and son Andy (Lori) Gronewold of Carthage; eight grandchildren, Randi (Zach) Summers of Ankeny, Iowa, Danielle (Jordan) White of Carthage, Lauren Gronewold of Carthage, Michaela (Kennedy) Gooding of Carthage, Kelly Gronewold of Quincy, Josh (Miranda) Gronewold of Mediapolis, Iowa, Brody Gronewold of Springfield, Brandon (Aubree) Gronewold of Carthage, and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Gerri Harrison and Jane O’Connell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Mike O’Connell and her two sons Mike and John.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, with burial to follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Basco, Illinois. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 9:00 AM. Memorials may be directed to the family of Carol Gronewold for the establishment of a memorial in Carol’s name. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.