Carol Thoma – age 84, of Laurens, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the Laurens Care Center in Laurens, Iowa.

Carol Schuller was born on August 9, 1937, at her grandparents' (Harvey and Mamie Eckert) home near Mallard, Iowa. She was the oldest of four children born to Dennis and Ferne (Eckert) Schuller. Her childhood was spent in Mallard and she graduated from Mallard High School in 1955.

Carol attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls from 1955 to 1957, graduating with a 2-year teaching certificate. She taught in Buffalo Center from 1957 to 1959. On August 8, 1959, she and Joe Thoma were married in Spencer, Iowa. To this union, one son, Dennis, was born. They were later divorced. Carol taught school for over 40 years from 1962 to 1999 in Laurens. For many years she managed the golf courses in Laurens and Lost Island Lake near Ruthven.

Carol was a member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Iowa. She enjoyed playing bridge in several bridge groups, playing golf in her younger years and quilting, making many quilts.

Carol is survived by her son, Dennis (Faye) Thoma of Monument, CO; brothers, Ron (Margaret) Schuller of Omaha, NE and Roger Schuller of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law, Joyce Schuller of Alta and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Ferne Schuller and brother, George Schuller.

Her greatest joy was seeing the progress her students made and the smiles on their faces.