Carolyn V. Pfotenhauer

Carolyn V. (Viets) Pfotenhauer, a devoted mother, accomplished attorney, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on November 17, 1937, in Savonburg, Kansas, to parents John Henry and Martha Grace (Benefeld) Viets, Carolyn lived a life marked by laughter and deeply intentional connection.

A 1955 graduate of Independence High School in Kansas, Carolyn went on to earn her bachelor's degree in counseling from IU South Bend and her Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Notre Dame. She lent her passion for public service to the City Attorney's office in South Bend, Indiana, for ten years and later applied her meticulously honed legal skills to her role as Corporate Counsel for Holy Cross Health Systems.

Carolyn was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her kind, introspective nature and her rapier-sharp wit. She was a private individual who treasured her time spent in the quiet company of a good book, but who opened her heart and home with warmth and hospitality to friends she treasured more. One of her favorite pastimes was traveling, with St. Maarten in the Virgin Islands holding a special place in her heart.

Carolyn married the late Frederick W. "Fritz" Pfotenhauer on July 3, 1959. Those who knew the often quiet, reserved Carolyn and the energetic, relentlessly gregarious Fritz could not help but remark that the two made an odd couple. Yet their shared love for building memories characterized by laughter and deep conversation created a lasting bond and built countless friendships to last a lifetime.

By the grace of God, Carolyn's last days were spent surrounded by family. The Lord's perfect timing brought most of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren into town on the very week of her passing, despite the miles that usually separated them, and they were able to say their goodbyes. Her son David and her granddaughter-in-law Riley stood by in her final moments as her grandson Sam played his guitar and sang her favorite songs to her. She took her final breath as the lyrics of "Stand by Me" rang out and the love of her family ushered her into eternity.

Carolyn leaves behind her beloved son, David Pfotenhauer (Eden) of Mooresville and her daughter-in-law Nancy Pfotenhauer of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, along with nine adoring grandchildren: Elizabeth Steinbach (Ethan), Keenan Pfotenhauer (Lisa), Samuel Pfotenhauer (Riley), Daniel Pfotenhauer (Cali), Jonathan Mitchell (Kimberly), Jon Pfotenhauer (Meghan), Kelsey Mitchell, Benjamin Pfotenhauer (Olivia), and Adam Mitchell. She was also the proud great-grandmother of 13 - Maggie Mitchell, Fritz Pfotenhauer, Ellie Jo Pfotenhauer, Truett Pfotenhauer, Jack Pfotenhauer, Zion Steinbach, Ada Jane Pfotenhauer, Tyson Pfotenhauer, Waylan Pfotenhauer, Julie Mae Pfotenhauer, Judah Steinbach, Isla Pfotenhauer, and Turner Pfotenhauer - who brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her loving sister, Lois Emerson, and is now reunited in spirit with her parents, her husband Frtiz, her son Kurt, and her siblings Flo Seevers, LaVera Viets, and Paul Viets.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Mooresville. Her legacy will continue to inspire her family and friends, reminding us all of the power of faith, connection, and unwavering support.

To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Carolyn, please visit www.jonesfamilymortuary.com.