Carolyn Jean Miske

Carolyn J. (Herrmann) Miske, age 79, of Rockford, MN, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. After experiencing a significant health event in February 2025, Carolyn courageously completed a lengthy rehabilitation and regained her independence. Her family and friends are deeply grateful for the seven months they were given with her before her heart weakened and Jesus called her home. In her final days, she remained steadfast in her faith, often sharing that she was ready to go to heaven.

Carolyn was born on August 19, 1946, in Glencoe, MN, to DeLloyd and Gloria Herrmann. She grew up with a curious and social spirit, singing in the church choir and playing softball and volleyball. She graduated from Central High School in Norwood, MN, where classmates fondly voted her "chatterbox." She taught Sunday school and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Dew Drop Inn. After graduation, she attended cosmetology school and went on to a career as a beautician at Obe's Salon in St. Louis Park, MN, where she formed meaningful friendships with coworkers and clients.

On October 5, 1968, Carolyn was married to Richard Miske. Together they were blessed with two children, Jodie and Ryan. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated homemaker. While Richard co-founded, co-owned, and operated Custom Business Forms, Carolyn faithfully managed the household and supported her family in every way.

Carolyn was an active volunteer in her community, school, and church, and her children's biggest cheerleader. She had a gift for bringing people together, including hosting neighborhood card clubs, birthday celebrations, and Fourth of July gatherings. Carolyn was also known for her beautiful cursive handwriting, famous spaghetti recipe, and fondness for Precious Moments and Longaberger baskets.

She loved connection and conversation, often spending time on the phone with family and friends. At Chaska Heights, her senior living community, she formed special friendships and enjoyed social events and bingo nights with the "Golden Girls." She found great joy in spending time with her granddaughters-sharing tea, shopping trips, lunches, and attending their games, recitals, and performances. She also cherished times when they picked her up to go to Culver's and Getaway Coffee.

Carolyn had a passion for the card game 500 and loved teaching others to play. She was proud to be a Carver County Fair senior champion and played regularly at Chaska Heights. She especially loved playing a hand with friends, teaching her granddaughters, and welcoming new players. She also enjoyed traveling, from visiting California with her brother to family trips. In retirement, she and Richard spent many years traveling together, including visits to Hawaii, Alaska, the Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, a Disney Cruise, Branson, Kohler Spa, and their annual winter trips to Florida.

Sweet, kind, caring, and nice, Carolyn was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Jodie (Matt) Greer and Ryan Miske; her grandchildren, Scottlynn and Kinley Greer; her siblings, Joyce (John) Miller, Tom (Diane) Herrmann, Gary (Barb) Herrmann, Bonnie (Richard) Schaefer, Dona Herrmann, Cindy (Wayne) Hillstrom, and Daniel Herrmann; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Miske; her parents, DeLloyd and Gloria Herrmann; and her brother, Randy Herrmann.

A memorial service for Carolyn will be held on Friday, April 24, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, at Our Father's Lutheran Church, 3903 Gilbert Avenue SE, Rockford, MN 55373.

A private interment will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.