Carol Ann Szymczak

About Carol

Carol Ann Szymczak, 78, of Park Rapids, MN passed away at home on Friday evening, March 29.

Carol A. Fortier was born on March 27, 1946 in Thief River Falls, MN the daughter of Elmer P. and Ethel V. (Lynch) Fortier. She and her six sisters grew up and attended public school in Oklee, MN and she graduated in 1964. She went on to receive her education degree from Bemidji State College.

In 1969, she moved to Park Rapids, MN where she was hired as a fourth grade teacher. She taught for 34 years, retiring in 2003. She was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Edward Szymczak on August 30, 1969 in Oklee, MN. They were blessed with two children – Amy and Edward.

She has been a lifelong active attending member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, where she was active in several areas including the Family Guild, the Church Council, and St. Joachim & St. Anne quilting group. She was a Charter Member, Sapphire Sister and 2x past president of A.D.K. (Alpha Delta Kappa), she was past president of the local Mrs. Jaycees club and she volunteered at several other organizations around the community.

She loved to organize family and community gatherings, including family reunions, summer visits with the grandchildren, church bazaars and Logging Days. She enjoyed reading novels and newspapers including the comics. She liked puzzle solving, specifically Cryptoquip and Soduko. Spending time with family and friends was important to her.

She is survived by her husband- Anthony “Tony” of Park Rapids, MN; Her children – Amy (Scott) Van Eps of Chaska, MN; Edward (Sarah) Szymczak of Bellingham, WA; Her 6 Grandchildren – Jacob and Kaylee Van Eps of Chaska, MN. Zoe, Kaia, Sawyer and Theo Szymczak of Bellingham, WA. Her 6 sisters – Margaret (Don) Magnell of Spearfish, SD; Marilyn Froehle of Henderson, NV; Patti (Wayne) Czeh of Roseau, MN; Elaine Hill of Aitkin, MN; Eleanor (Chris) Johnson of Brooklyn Park, MN; Joanne (Mark) Hafdahl of Fargo, ND; Her sister in laws - Mary Jo (Burt) Martinson of Maple Grove, MN; Mary Brinks of Denver, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brother in laws - Harry Froehle, Mike Hill, and Charlie Szymczak.

memorial service

Mass of Christian Burial for Carol

April 6, 2024

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 305 5th St W, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA

Visitation will be held on Friday evening April 5, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the services. Inurnment will be held at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home