Carolyn Joan Jacqueline Ittel (Pietz), 89 years 11 months, was called home by our Lord on June 30, 2022. Carolyn passed away peacefully at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis, MN. where she resided for the past two years.
Carolyn was born on July 30, 1932, to Anna & Jack Pietz in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up on the Rokala family farm in Kingston, MN., raised by her mom – Anna, Grandma & Grandpa, and aunts and uncles.
Carolyn graduated from Litchfield High School in 1950 and attended St. Cloud Teachers College, graduating in 1953. She taught grade school in Mound, St. Louis Park and Cokato, MN. She met her lifelong love, James Marvin Ittel, at her best friend’s wedding (Carol Hackbarth) in 1953.
Carolyn & Jim were wed on July 27, 1957, in the same church where they had met – the Finnish Lutheran Church by Cokato, MN. Carolyn was Dad’s “Honey Bunny” and for 65 years together that always made her eyes light up! Carolyn was a wonderful Mother to Michael (1959) and Mark (1963).
Carolyn was always there for her family and provided her advice and consultation through the passions and difficulties of our lives. She was a partner with James in Ittel’s Meats and the PDQ stores in the Twin Cities area. They worked together for more than 30 years. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling in Europe, Alaska, and other destinations.
Carolyn was an enthusiastic collector of fine pottery and glassware and she loved music. She played the clarinet and piano and had a wonderful voice that filled our home with warmth and kindness. She was proud of her Finnish heritage, and her families’ accomplishments.
Carolyn was predeceased by her mother, Anna, her many aunts and uncles, and Aunt Lil, who was a big sister to her. She is survived by her husband, James; Michael, Connie (wife), and Zachary (Grandson); Mark, Dawn (wife), Alyssa and Kelsea (Granddaughters); half-brother, Bob (Charlotte) Pietz, and half-sister, Jackie Shaw . There are many nephews and nieces, cousins and friends that will miss her charm, wit, and laughter!
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials are given to St. James Lutheran Parochial School. There will be a visitation from 5pm – 7pm on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at St. James Lutheran Church; and a funeral service on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 11:00am (with viewing one hour prior) also at St. James Lutheran Church at 1000 7th Ave., Howard Lake, MN. 55349. A luncheon will follow. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Details to be released later. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Howard Lake, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-543-3401