Carolyn was born May 30, 1931, in Granite Falls to Otto and Mary Burthus. She grew up on the family farm with her brother and sister, and graduated from Granite Falls Public High School. On June 7, 1952, she was united in marriage to Robert Hirmer. The couple moved to Marshall and raised four children, who were the most important part of her life.
Carolyn worked in the English Department at Southwest Minnesota State University for many years. She loved her job and had fun taking care of the faculty. She was active in the American Legion Auxillary, VFW Ladies Auxillary and she was a member of Catholic Daughters.
Carolyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and took great joy in spending time with family and friends. She like to travel, especially to Colorado to visit her daughters, and enjoyed reading, dancing, flower gardening, shopping for collectibles, and having fun! Carolyn touched many lives with her big heart. She was kind and generous and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends and all who knew her.
Carolyn passed away on Tuesday, May 10, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall after a brief illness.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert Hirmer, daughter Karen (and Chuck) Gogela of Fort Collins, CO, son Mike (and Gaylene) Hirmer of Mankato, son Timothy Hirmer of Marshall, grandchildren Amanda Baumann, Matthew Gogela and Brandy Hirmer and nephew Allen Burthus of Granite Falls.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Belinda Keller; sister Irene Kinney and brother Harry Burthus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association.
