Carol Mae Grau

Carol Grau, age 90, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Born on September 5, 1935, in Lake View, Iowa, to Carl and Margaret (Strohmeir) Grau, Carol faced early challenges when she was institutionalized at a young age. In January 1984, she moved to the Howard Center in Sac City, where she made her home for more than four decades. She worked diligently in the center’s can redemption and recycling program as well as other small jobs, taking quiet pride in her efforts until her well-earned retirement.

Carol had a gentle and affectionate nature. She cherished her collection of Minnie and Mickey Mouse items and stuffed animals, and she found special joy in holding babies and spending time with children. She enjoyed coloring and, most of all, visiting with anyone willing to sit and talk with her. Her church family at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church brought her comfort, and she looked forward to their visits. Above all, she deeply loved the staff at the Howard Center, who became her chosen family over the years.

Carol is survived by her Howard Center and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Margaret Grau, and her siblings, Charlie, Bob, and Elma Grau.