Carole Jean Thraen

Carole Thraen was born on November 1, 1945, in Harlan, Iowa, to Gerald and Gladys (Knudsen) Grabill. She attended Shelby-Tennant School and graduated in 1964. Though only 4'11", Carole was a forward for the basketball team and was known for her quickness. She also served as a baton majorette for the marching band.

On May 15, 1965, she married Howard Thraen. Together they had two daughters, Stephanie and Prudy. Carole worked at Harlan Community High School from 1975 until 2006, serving as an assistant for the librarian and athletic director. After retiring from the high school, she went on to work at Kountry Kids Care for a few years where she took great joy, caring for the infants and toddlers. Carole was known as a caring, loving, and gentle-natured person who was always there when someone needed her. After retirement, Carole and Howard took several bus tours throughout the United States. They enjoyed these tours greatly because of the new people they met and because they were able to see more of the United States.

Carole enjoyed camping, fishing, baking, traveling, and playing cards. She loved to read and at one time operated a used paperback bookstore out of the basement of her home. Her home often had a variety of baked goods ready for family and friends. Carole and Howard enjoyed camping throughout their lives. They started out camping in tents and later traveled with a camper, often taking their grandchildren along on trips. The family also took summer vacations traveling to many places across the United States. She was a strong supporter of her daughters’ activities, traveling many miles to watch Stephanie sing in the band and to watch Prudy play softball. This support continued with her grandchildren, Justina and Matthew, who she adored.

Carole and Howard also enjoyed traveling to Western Nebraska often. They spent the summer of 1999 working in Western Nebraska which was a summer they greatly enjoyed.

Carole passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Gladys Grabill; husband, Howard Thraen; and great grandchild, Tristyn Ann.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Stephanie Paul of Omaha, NE, Prudy Kloewer (Dan Travis) of Harlan, IA; two grandchildren, Justina Kloewer of Panama, IA, Matthew Kloewer (Kylie Albertsen) of Harlan, IA; one great grandson, Kason; brother, Dennis Grabill of Harlan, IA; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Thraen of Henderson, NV, Gary (Julie) Thraen of Harlan, IA; other relatives and many friends.