Carol Marguerite Rickheim, 80, died Thursday, July 19, 2012, in her home.

Carol was born May 30, 1932, in Lamberton, Minn., to Fred and Fern Ware. She graduated from Lamberton High School and attended St. Cloud State University, Augsburg College and Mankato State University, which cumulated in Carol receiving her master’s degree in education. She taught elementary school in Richfield, Lamberton, Germany (on US military bases), California, and at the former Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Austin. She married Ervin Rickheim on July 29, 1961. In 1989 they were divorced. Mrs. Rickheim was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Retired Educators. She had been active in the League of Women Voters, AEA, MEA, and NEA.

“It doesn’t matter in the end how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away,” Carol’s Facebook account said.

She is survived by a daughter, Marna Rickheim of Rochester, Minn.; a son and daughter-in-law, Troy (Jill) Rickheim of Bloomington, Minn.; three grandchildren, Shauna Love, David Rickheim, and Cory Rickheim; two brothers, Roger (Gladys) Ware of Hudson, Wis., and Leland (Suzette) Ware of Solon Springs, Wis.; one sister, Dawn (Chuck) Tetrick of Hillman, Minn.; and many other much-loved relatives and friends.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1600 W Oakland Ave., Austin, MN, with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. A one-hour visitation will begin at 1 p.m. prior to the service and a luncheon will follow: “ham on buns, cake, coffee and punch,” just as Carol requested. Carol was a great mother, grandmother, teacher and friend to all.

Please wear casual, bright attire and bring happy thoughts and memories to share. Memorials can be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.