Carmilla Mae Kauzlarich's Obituary
Carmilla Mae Kauzlarich, age 89, of Centerville, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at MercyOne Centerville Medical Center.
Carmilla was born on November 12, 1934 in Graysville, Missouri, the daughter of Riva and Dorothy (Brown) Rowland. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Andrew Albert Kauzlarich June 6, 1953. She then started working at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Centerville as a CNA. Later she began the LPN program at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville and continued at the Indian Hills Campus in Ottumwa, graduating with her RN degree in 1978.
Carmilla thoroughly enjoyed nursing. She was a nurse for over 50 years in various hospitals including, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri in Columbia, Mercy One Des Moines, Putnam County Memorial Hospital and later retired from Lucas County Hospital at the young age of 83 where she was a Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Nurse. While working at Lucas County Hospital, she was nominated and received the Iowa Hospitals Hero's Award in 2010. Presented by the Iowa Hospital Association this award celebrates the top 10 Medical Professionals in Iowa. After retiring Carmilla enjoyed her working in flower gardens, feeding the birds and beautifying her yard. She also continued to cook and bake for her extended family and friends. She reconnected with classmates and assisted with Big Red Homecoming events for the class of 1954 and enjoyed Friday morning coffee at Hardees with friends.
Left to cherish Carmilla's memory are her 2 children, Sharen Kauzlarich (Kirstin Becker-Kauzlarich), Sean Kauzlarich, and adopted daughter Marcia Foglesong; her grandchildren, Keith (Megan) Foglesong, Bennie Foglesong, Jennie (Keagan) Plummer and Chad (Carrie) Montegna; great grandchildren, Ashram Foglesong, Kira Foglesong, Alta Jo Plummer and Caleb Montegna; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
Carmilla was preceded in death by her parents, Riva and Dorothy Rowland; her husband, Andrew Kauzlarich; her son-in-law, Phillip Foglesong; dear friend Jean Montegna and her 8 siblings.
Services for Carmilla will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Centerville with Rev. Jeremy McElvain officiating. Cremation will follow the service, and burial at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville to be held at a later date. Visitation will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 1:00PM-2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Furever Friends Rescue of Appanoose Inc. and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Kauzlarich family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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