Obituary of Carolyn Joyce Korthals

Memorial Tribute

    Carolyn Joyce Korthals, daughter of Walter and Elsie (Hensch) Kruse, was born December 28, 1942, in George, Iowa. She spent her youth in the George area where she attended school, completing her education through the George School District.

    On Friday, March 6, 1970, Carolyn became the bride of Leon L. Korthals at St. John Lutheran Church in Boyden, Iowa. The new couple began their life together in Boyden, living in that town for four years before moving to an acreage in the country. Here, they raised their three children and called it “home” until 2022, when they relocated to the town of Sanborn, Iowa.

    Carolyn’s days were kept full taking care of her growing family and tending to her beautiful flower beds. If it would grow in Iowa, Carolyn probably had a patch of it in her back yard. Quite often, there would be a wonderful aroma coming from her kitchen as she also loved to cook and bake. There was always something good to eat sitting on the counter or just being pulled out of the oven, but nothing pleased her more than making special treats for her family to enjoy.

    Being a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Boyden, Carolyn had participated in various church functions over the years. She also enjoyed traveling; especially the family trips to Iowa City to cheer on the Hawkeyes…capturing every moment with her camera. She always looked forward to fun times spent with her kids and grandkids, never missing one of their school activities or sporting events, because - they meant the world to her.

    On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Carolyn passed from this life and joined loved ones who had gone before: her mother, Elsie Kruse; brother, Marlin Kruse; sister, Yvonne Leonard; brother-in-law, Arnold Snuttjer; her aunt, Mildred Hensch and her best friend, Netz Doorenbos.

    Keeping her memory close at heart are her husband of 55 years, Leon of Sanborn, Iowa; her children: Dr. Mike (Sara) Korthals of Forest City, Iowa, Dr. Mark (Lisa) Korthals of New Germany, Minnesota, and Melanie (Adam) Roelfs of Sanborn, Iowa; six grandchildren: Madison Korthals (fiancé James Bolger), Ryan (Morgan) Korthals, Ashley Korthals, Alexis Korthals, Jacob Roelfs, Dustin Roelfs; her brother, Leland (Norine) Kruse of George, Iowa, sisters: Eunice (Maynard) De Boer of Archer, Iowa, Phyllis (Odean) De Jong of Hull, Iowa, Jolene (Paul) Peterson of Hawaii, Donna (Ken) Rhode of Boyden, Iowa; other relatives and friends.