Carol Jo Polodna

Carol (Korthauer) Polodna, age 49, died peacefully at her home on March 10, 2016, surrounded by the family she loved. Carol fought bravely against the ravages of breast cancer for the last four years of her life.
Carol grew up in Houston, Minnesota, and graduated from Houston High School in 1985. She discovered a passion for teaching at Winona State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She continued her formal education after graduation, and acquired a master's degree in education while simultaneously teaching and raising a family.
Carol married Mark Polodna in 1988 while still in college. They made their home in Winona, Minnesota.
Carol began her teaching career in the preschool room at Cochrane-Fountain City, and soon after returned to her roots in the Houston Elementary School as a 1st grade teacher. One of her greatest delights and accomplishments as a teacher was helping those young students learn to read. Later on she joined with a handful of teachers that formed the Minnesota Virtual Academy in Houston. She taught students in all grade levels, with curriculum selected for their individual needs. She enjoyed this busy phase in her career, and continued teaching unabated until sidelined by disability.
Carol was the embodiment of what it means to be a good daughter, sister, friend, wife, teacher and mother. Together with her husband, she raised three beautiful and talented children. She was a wise and patient mother.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Armin and Donna Mae Korthauer of Houston, Minnesota.
Carol is deeply missed by her husband and her three children; Taylor (Holly) of Golden, Colorado, Connor and Morgan. She is survived by three brothers and one sister; Richard (Margaret) of Mondovi, Wisconsin, Dale (Lisa) of Stewartville, Minnesota, Gary (Karen) of Savage, Minnesota, and Janet (Thomas) Freudenstein of Shakopee, Minnesota. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Central Lutheran Church in Winona. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at the church, and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A private burial of her cremains will follow at a later date.
Flowers or gifts are not necessary. Please share your generosity with a stranger or offer a hand-up to someone in need. Hug your mother. Love your children. Learn something new. Teach.
Please share a memory of Carol with her family in the online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.