Carol A. Hirschey

Carol Ann Hirschey (née Caulfield), 74, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on September 18, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Carol was born on December 26, 1949 and she had a charming upbringing on a dairy farm in Byron, MN. She always valued kindness and was crowned her high school’s Homecoming Queen and Olmsted County’s Dairy Princess.

Carol went to college at Mankato State University to pursue a teaching degree and that’s where she met her future husband, Walter Hirschey. The couple married on June 12, 1971, and were blessed with six children.

Carol dedicated herself as a Home Economics teacher at Hastings Junior High School. Her passion for education was only rivaled by her devotion to her family, as she later chose to focus on raising her children, instilling them with her warmth, wisdom, and generosity.

Known for her magnetic personality and the best hugs, Carol made every person she encountered feel special and important. This gift of hers was deeply rooted in her strong faith and active involvement in the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. As a proud member of AAUW, Carol championed education and empowerment for women and girls.

Carol's home was a hub of love and laughter, where family gatherings were cherished rituals. Grandma Carol’s bunny pancakes and the stash of ice cream treats for pool gatherings were highlights for her 11 adoring grandchildren.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Walter Hirschey; her children, Jennifer (Zach) Stabenow, Karin (Steve) Wallace, Megan (Tyler) Hirschey, Craig (Jenny) Hirschey, and Kimberly (Doug) Anderson; her grandchildren, Chase, Ethan, Paige, Jack, Katelyn, Luke, Cole, Cecily, Hank, Leo, and Wells; her siblings, Wayne (Cheryl) Caulfield, Diane (Bob) Eustice, Don Caulfield, Deb (Jan) Hanson, and Gene Goepferd; alongside countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and community members whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristin Hirschey; her parents, Jim and Eileen Caulfield; her sister, Shari Goepferd; her parents-in-law, Ken & Betty Hirschey; brothers-in-law, Mark Hirschey and Tony Jaspers; sisters-in-law, Linda Hirschey and Anne Corrow; niece Beth Hirschey and nephew Luke Jaspers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrate Carol’s life on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church New Trier, 8433 239th St. E, New Trier, MN 55031. A visitation will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033, and again one hour prior to Mass on Monday. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Hastings Family Service or the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.