Carol Leestma

Carol Leestma, loving Wife, Mother, Grandma, and Great-grandmother, passed away at 10:05 in the morning on Tuesday, March 4th at The Restoracy of Carmel. Formerly of Columbus, IN, she moved to Carmel to be closer to family in October of 2023. She was born on April 29th, 1938, in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Catholic Central high school in 1956, where she then became an operator with the telephone company. In 1957, she met the love of her life, Paul, and they were married on June 21st, 1958. Paul’s career at the Kroger company took them to Indianapolis in 1972 and then after 5 years, they transferred to Columbus, IN, where they settled permanently. Carol devoted her life to her family, and together with her husband, they raised four children. Upon retirement, she and her husband were able to travel extensively and experience the beauty of every corner of the country and much of the world. From riding the trolleys in San Francisco, and cruising Bourbon Street in New Orleans, to witnessing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, and the islands of Hawaii, she and Paul were able to see all parts of the country coast to coast and live their dream. Together, they found every casino with penny slots all across America! Their international travels took them to the Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, the Black Forest in Germany, and many cruises and islands across the globe. Of all her travels, her favorites were Switzerland…and Graceland. She was a voracious reader, loved lighthouses and Elvis, and was a wicked card player at euchre and “99”. But above all, her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and all of those who loved her. Carol is survived by her children Marty (Kathy) Leestma, Randy (Sue) Leestma, Tina Nelson, and Tammy (Tom) Quadrini, 12 grandchildren Mitchell (Katy) Leestma, Reid (Ashley) Leestma, Nate (Kaileigh) Leestma, Jake (Lauren Lewis) Leestma, Shelby, Cooper, Katie, and Kendall Nelson, Dominic, Jessie and Jackie Quadrini, 5 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Luke, and Beau Leestma, Wilder Leestma, and Isabelle Leestma, brother Donald (Lynn) Kaszynski, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Paul, who now has her safely in his arms. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 5, 2025, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be one hour prior to the service.