Caroline Therese Metz, 93, of Delano, MN, passed away peacefully and with a smile Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Caroline is survived by her children and their families, Dan, John (Linda), Bill (Susan Crow), Tony (Respa), Bob (Maria), Mary Kay, Margaret, Paul (Sara), Jim (Gena Rademacher), Monica (Dan) Ward, and Melinda (Hans) Miller; 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; her sister, Rosemary Gillis; brothers, Robert and Anthony Bauman; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband and square-dancing partner of 61 years, Bill; mother, Kate; father, Herb; and eight brothers and sisters.

Caroline was particularly comforted during the last months by her ever-present sister-in-law, Anni Bauman.

Caroline’s life was defined by her love of family, faith, and flowers, not necessarily in that order.

Family: As made clear by the many she leaves behind, Caroline’s family was of great importance to her. Feeding, clothing, cleaning, and orchestrating the whereabouts of 11 children while allowing them enough freedom to become their true selves was her greatest gift. She loved it most when everyone would gather for the holidays and made sure no one left hungry or empty-handed.

Faith: Caroline’s love of the church and her faith in God to protect her family and friends shaped how she responded to the world around her, with constant prayer as a source of peace within the chaos.

Flowers: Caroline was known for her impressive green thumb by family and friends alike. Over the years, her large vegetable garden was slowly enveloped by beautiful flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

It was clear when talking to Caroline that she was in her happy place when surrounded by her flowers or arranging them in the church her father helped build.

Please join Caroline’s family in celebrating a life well lived and full of laughter, for we all know that Caroline’s laugh made you want to do the same.

A wake will take place Monday, May 1, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Martha Hall on the St. Peter Campus of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.

A memorial gathering will take place one hour prior to a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023, also at the Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Peter Campus in Delano.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Peter’s Church “All are Welcome” campaign.

Arrangements are by the Iten Funeral Home in Delano.