Tribute & Message From The Family
Carol Elizabeth Lach, 86, died Saturday December 5th 2015, at Oaknoll Retirement Community in the Health Center.
Carol was born on April 23, 1929 to Christmas and Mary Lucille Evans and was raised in Milwaukee, WI. She graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College and taught First Grade at Emerson School in Madison, WI while pursuing a Masters Degree at the Univ. of Wisconsin. During that time she met John Louis Lach, a graduate student in Pharmacy. Carol and John were married in June 1953 and moved to Iowa City, IA when John joined the faculty at the University of Iowa. Carol and John raised four children and traveled extensively throughout the world.
Carol was also actively involved in several University and community clubs and organizations and was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. Carol was known for her generosity, her kind and welcoming spirit and compassionate nature.
Carol was preceded in death by her father in 1955, her mother in 1981, her loving husband John in 1990, her brother-in-law, Dalton E. Scalf in 2008, and her son-in-law, Tim Kariya in 2012.
Carol is survived by her sister, Shirley Scalf in Abilene, TX, her children and their families, Maryalyce and Bryan Allery of Littleton, CO, Ruthann Lach and Bill Cashner of Edmond, OK, Cynthia Lach and her daughters Megan and Emma of Poquoson, VA and Ronald and Amy Lach and their sons, Christopher and Jordan of Pinehurst, NC.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor Carol's life will be held at Oaknoll Retirement Center on Tuesday December 8th at 2:00 PM in the Assisted Living Recreation Room (1st floor). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, to the Oaknoll Foundation (Education Fund) to provide education benefits for the loving staff who provided excellent care to Carol for so many years or to Iowa City Hospice who provided their caring services for the past 6 months. No viewing or funeral service are planned. Burial will be a private ceremony for family only at Oakland Cemetery.
Condolence & Memory Journal
I first met Carol when I joined the First United Methodist Church 28 yrs. ago. She was a very loving and caring person, I enjoyed her company and her smile.
She was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed.
Posted by
Tracy Varcoe - Hiawatha, IA - Friend February 04, 2016
We remember Carol and Shirley staying with us quite a few years ago and we have fond memories of them here at house. Sorry I do not have any pictures.
Our thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time.
Posted by
Jackie , Rod and Carol Magness - Camberley, Surrey, UK - 2nd cousins January 08, 2016
Dear Maryalice, Ruthann, Cynthia, and Ron,
We were so sorry and saddened to hear about Carol's passing.
The Lach family was a continuous part of our lives, from the time Soon was a graduate student of John's through later years even after our family moved away from Iowa City.
We have many fond memories that include visiting the lovely Lach home to the thoughtful gifts John and Carol sent us (including Richard Scarry's illustrated dictionary). And, of course, we always looked forward to Carol's wonderful, newsy Christmas letters.
Our condolences for your loss. We will miss Carol greatly; she is a special, unique person.
Sun-Tak, Soon, Linda, and Helen Hwang
Posted by
Sun-Tak, Soon, Linda, and Helen Hwang - Cincinnati, OH - Dr. Lach's student and friend January 07, 2016
Dear Ron,
It was with deep sorrow that I have just learned of the death of Mrs. Lach.
She was very nice to us even after we returned to Taiwan.
We loved and admired her very much.
Please accept my condolences over so great a loss.
Sincerely,
Ganlin Chen
Posted by
Ganlin Chen - Taipei Tawan - student December 23, 2015
Carol was a big part of the Chin's family. She and John Lach welcomed us into their home and helped my parents ever since they first moved to the US. She gave me my name Lisa.
Carol will always have a special place in our hearts.
Posted by
Lisa Chin - New York, NY - friend December 13, 2015
We are so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. We have so many memories of our fun times together with your parents. We especially recall rousing games of bridge once a month for YEARS!
Much love,
Wayne and Nancy
Posted by
Wayne and Nancy Paulson - Stoughton, WI - Friend December 11, 2015
I was an early graduate student of John Lach, receiving my PhD under his guidance. My wife Betty and I remember John and Carol fondly. They were warm and generous people who we feel privileged to have known during our time in Iowa City. Our sincere condolences to their children and grandchildren.
Jack Cohen
Posted by
Jack Cohen - Belmont, CA - Student of John Lach December 10, 2015
We were very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. When she would visit Colorado for the holidays, we enjoyed talking with her and listening to family stories. Our heartfelt condolences to your family. May the memories you share with family and friends comfort you in the days ahead.
Posted by
Rick and Kathy Pelletier - Colorado Springs, CO - Brother and Sister-in-law December 08, 2015
I was sorry to hear of Carol's death. She had been a good Quester friend in past years. I tried many times to see how she was doing but did not get any return response so I am really sorry that I had not been to see her.
We did enjoy working together on projects. We usually rode to meetings together and shared many good conversations and fun times.
I know she enjoyed the times visiting her daughters and looked forward to visits from you. You have my sincere sympathy. LUE
Posted by
Lue Puhrman - Omaha, NE - friend December 08, 2015
Our condolences. We are so sorry for loss of your wonderful mother. We will always remember and miss her. You are in our thoughts.
Posted by
Soo-il and Sun Kim - Flemington, NJ - Dr. Lach's Student December 08, 2015
Though I did not see Carol often I thought of her in Iowa. She had many friends to keep her warm, as well as visiting her children. Our family's prayers for her and to their family in this sad time.
Posted by
Constance Allery - Colorado Springs, CO - Our children are marrieds December 08, 2015
Dear Maryalice, Ruthann, Cynthia and Ron:
We are so fortunate to have all of you and our beloved Aunt Carol and Uncle John in our lives. I have many memories of our family (Dalton and Shirley Scalf and kids) visiting you all in Iowa City and also at the farm. In particular, I always loved Aunt Carol's sense of humor, and enjoyed reading her holiday letters. I have memories as a teenager of having sing-alongs with Aunt Carol on piano, and me attempting to follow along on guitar. The most important memories I have of Aunt Carol are of her warmth and her love of family. We know now that she is at peace.
Love to all,
Robin and Kathy Scalf and family
Posted by
Robin Scalf - San Angelo, TX - Nephew December 08, 2015
Maryalyce, Ruthann, Cynthia and Ron, We have such fond memories of your wonderful mother and always looked forward to catching up on the family activities in her Christmas letter.
We join you in celebrating her life and remember the times we spent with you all in Iowa City and at the farm. May God bless you and your families and give you comfort as we mourn her loss and celebrate her journey to the applause of heaven. Love, Don and Kay
Posted by
Kay & Don Monkhouse - Radnor, PA - Student of John & Babysitters December 08, 2015
My condolences. Your mother was so kind and welcoming lady. Although I met her only once, she was very kind to me. May her soul rest in piece,
Posted by
Harish Pandya - Piscataway, NJ December 08, 2015
Carol was such a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to her children and grandchildren at this of great loss.
Posted by
Kathryn Linhardt - Albany, NY December 08, 2015
I grew up in Iowa City where my Dad studied and later worked under Dr. Lach at the College of Pharmacy. I remember Carol welcoming our family to her home for holiday parties and celebrating with us when my parents became US citizens. She was a warm and generous host. We ate Chinese food at home, so the first tuna sandwich and deviled eggs that I ever ate were made by Carol.
Posted by
Richard Chin - Seattle, WA - friend December 07, 2015
I enjoyed fixing Carol's hair weekly. She was always happy and content. I truly admired that about her....not to mention her humor. May peace and grace be yours in abundance. Kathy Miller
Posted by
Kathy Miller December 07, 2015
Our condolences. Your mother was so kind and welcoming to us when Jim did his Ph.D. under Dr. Lach. She was a gracious and caring woman.
Posted by
Jim & Nancy Nugent - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Can - Former student of Dr. Lach December 07, 2015
Dear Ruthann, Cynthia, Maryalice and Ron:
I visited with your mother briefly on Saturday. She seemed to recognize me, grasped my hand and pressed it firmly. She was a dear friend and I will miss her.
Keith
Posted by
Keith Guillory - Iowa City, IA - Friend of many years December 06, 2015
Carol in her Apt. (Sept. 2013)