NEW ULM–Carol Ann Drahota, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – NORTH Chapel in New Ulm. The Christian Mothers will pray the Rosary at 4 pm at the Cathedral in New Ulm on Thursday, March 27, 2025. To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Carol is survived by four children, Kim (Mark) Schaefer of New Ulm, Ronald (Michele) Drahota of New Ulm, Julie (Douglas) Beinborn of Rochester, and Christopher (Jessica) Drahota of Lakeville; seven grandchildren, Taylor (Emily – Fiancé) Drahota, Laura (Keith) Dohrmann, Riley (Emily) Drahota, Abigail (Ryan) Smith, Julia Schaefer, Alexander Schaefer, and Grace (Jacob) Torgerson; seven great-grandchildren, Esther Torgerson, Gavin Dohrmann, Blakely Smith, Emma Drahota, Levi Dohrmann, Carson Drahota, and Brooklyn Smith; brother, Vernon Sprague, Jr. and sister, Mary Meyer. She is also missed by her two beloved dogs, Tessa and Flynn.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Ronald, her son Ronald Paul Hammerschmidt and her parents.

Carol Ann Sprague was born on November 27, 1942 to Vernon and Lucille (Maday) Sprague in Fairmont. She graduated from Fairmont High School. Carol was united in marriage to Ronald Drahota on July 7, 1962 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont.

Carol and Ron spent more than 25 years of their married life as foster parents and cared for many children in their home during that time. Ronald Paul was one who came into their family during that time and became a permanent member. In addition to foster care, she cared for children through the daycare she operated from her home.

Carol was especially proud of her 50+ year bowling career. During that span, she bowled in many city, state and national tournaments. She served as various league officers in most leagues she bowled in and was eventually inducted into the New Ulm USBC Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame.

During her life, Carol’s interests and hobbies were as varied as they were numerous. At one time, she enjoyed painting figurines and making flowers. Her cake decorating skills added a special touch to family celebrations, her own family as well as for others. She enjoyed sewing, needle crafts, knitting, crocheting, quilting and she was an avid reader. Her love for music led to her participation in the church choir for many years and her love of travel led to countless adventures with her family, first with a pop-up camper and later with an RV. Their journeys took them all over the country and were a source of many memories.

She will be dearly missed, blessed be her memory.

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