Carol Harres Giffhorn's Obituary
Carol H. Giffhorn, 87 years of Columbia, IL, passed away on October 10, 2022 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL. She was the daughter of the late Theodore and Olinda, nee Keller, Harres. She was married to the late Walter "Gig" Giffhorn. They were married October 12, 1957, in Columbia, IL. He had passed away November 15, 2017.
Carol was born in East Louis, IL in 1934. A life-long resident of Columbia, she lived in her Gilmore Lake home that she and her husband Gig built over 60 years ago.
A lover of animals, she was well known for her training of dogs, being recognized with the National Newfoundland dog awards on multiple occasions. She coordinated many parades and Water Rescue tests for the River King Newfoundland Club, gathering neighborhood kids in Gilmore Lake as pretend drowning victims while training for the event. Growing up, the neighborhood Gilmore Lake kids would bring injured animals to Carol that rescued possum, a flying squirrel, mallard duck and even suturing up an injured sheep. She had many bird feeders and bird houses in her yard, counting the different varieties of birds that would come to visit and cursing the Sparrows and Blue Jays that would take over where not wanted.
Involved in numerous community activities, she was a Girl Scout leader for years, she and Gig would take troops on outings throughout the area. Providing meals to ill and shut-ins and volunteer transport to medical appointments. She was an original member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ Bell Choir, Columbia Women’s Club, Book Club and enjoyed Card Club with her school friends spanning 70 years.
A loyal Illini, Blues and Cardinals fan through the years, she attended many Illini/Mizzou Bragging Rights games, seeing Blues and Cardinal playoff games, Bob Gibson Day and Lou Brock stealing his 105th base.
The family will have to learn to sew as Carol did the family mending, hemming and was well known for her handmade quilts. The latest Scottish quilt made for her son-in-law to honor his heritage and modern design for her daughter’s office.
Surviving are her son, Gregory Giffhorn of Columbia, IL, daughter, Gretchen "Gigi" (Brent) Abbott of Valmeyer, IL, brother, Fredric Harres of Columbia, IL, sister, Mary Lynn Harres of Columbia, IL, step-grandchild, Kirstie (Jason) Corder of Henderson, NV, step-great-grandchildren, Eirinn Corder and Finn Corder, along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 3, 2022, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, and Friday, November 4, 2022, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia, IL. A Memorial Service will be held following visitation at church, with Pastor Sheldon Culver officiating. Private interment will take place in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Uni-Pres Kindercottage, 564 Veronica Ave, East St Louis, IL 62205, or St. Paul United Church of Christ - Renovations Fund, 127 N. St. Paul St., Columbia, IL 62236 .
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