Obituaries

Caroline Bernice Michel Vagts was born March 16, 1920, in Fillmore County near Granger, Minnesota in her family farm home. She was baptized at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Granger where she has been a lifelong active member. She was confirmed in October, 1933. She died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the age of 90.

Carol married Robert Martin Vagts on May 27, 1941, with the Reverend Leo Munch officiating. They lived and farmed for five years near Cresco, Iowa, moving near Bristol Center, Minnesota in 1948. She was a charter member of Bristol Homemakers Club and has been a member for 65 years. Carol was the caretaker of the church alter for 25 years at St. Matthews. She also was an active member of the Ruth Circle of St. Matthews, the Harmony Hospital Unit No. 5 and the Christian Women's Bible Study.

They have four sons and one daughter: James (Diane) of Harmony, Robert (Margaret) of Lanesboro, Gerald (Valerie) of Saint Paul, Ken (Sharon) of Hastings and Joann Grabau (Terry) of Chisago City, Minnesota. They have fourteen grandchildren: Mark ( Mandy) , Todd and Carrie; Kim (Kevin) Johnson, Michelle Girolamo, Angela (Rob) Lange; Rachel, Amalia ( David Lester), Thatcher (Kelly Greene), Paul (Indra Souvereyns); Thomas (Cindy Lambing), Chris, Michael ( Nancy Andres); Yvette Grabau and sixteen great grandchildren.

Carol is also survived by both of her sisters Winnfred Halweg of Preston, Margaret (Robert) Larson of Sioux City, Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Jerome and Ida Jones Michel, a brother-in-law Roger Halweg and a daughter-in-law Judy Thorson Vagts.

Carol and Robert were involved members of their church and community; farming together on the family farm near Bristol Center until 1971 when they moved to Harmony. They have enjoyed family, friends and church through a long and active life. Thanking and praising the Lord for many blessings. Robert continues to reside at Heritage Grove Apartments in Harmony.