Carol Emly Berendts

Carol Emly Berendts, née Eschbach, was born on December 7, 1945 to Johann and Elisabeth (Pack) Eschbach in McMinnville, Oregon. She was the identical twin to her older beloved sister, Noel Etha Diehl. Carol departed this life on July 31, 2026 in Indianapolis, IN.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Terry Berendts, her parents, older sisters Pamela V. (Marvin) Wolfmeyer and Noel E. Diehl and younger sister Melody B. (Patrick) Greco. She is survived by her son Drew (Lisa) Berendts, daughter Andria Berendts, nephew Jody (Carrie) Diehl, niece Danielle (Hans) Aeschbacher, grand children Elizabeth (Talon Drake) Berendts, Harris Myriel, and Olivia, Axel, and Asher Diehl, sister-in-law Marty (Larry) Werneke, nephews Scott, Michael and Bobby Werneke, nephews Johann, Zachery, Sebastian and Gabriel Greco and grand nephew Jude Greco.

Carol came from a family which was rooted in a love of faith, music and language. She learned to play the violin at an early age in Ames, IA while her sister Noel played cello. The Eschbach family moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1956. After graduating high school, Carol enrolled at the University of Iowa. It was there that she met the love of her life, Terry. Terry and Carol were married on February 11, 1967 in Cedar Rapids. They raised their family and remained married until Terry’s death in 1999. From that point forward, Carol lived with her twin sister until Noel’s passing in 2023. Carol then moved in with her daughter, Andria, in 2024 for the remainder of her days.

Carol had a deep love of music and singing. She taught Suzuki violin for many years and performed in a number of community orchestras over her adult life. She also had a love of the German language as it was spoken in her household as a child. She taught herself the ancient German script “Fraktur Script” which she could write by hand. Language, art, music and family were at the heart of Carol’s being.

Funeral services will begin with visitation at 10 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Cornerstone Lutheran Church Carmel, 4850 E Main Street, Carmel, IN 46033. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM at the church followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted at the church between 9 and 10 AM on August 10th. Those wishing to make an alternate donation are asked to do so directly to Cornerstone Lutheran Church.