Carol Thelma Dronen-Kappel was born December 14, 1936, in Steele, North Dakota, to Andrew G. Dronen and Lillian E. Hall Dronen. She grew up on the family farm near Driscoll, ND, and graduated from Driscoll High School in 1953. She went on to attend Dickinson State Teachers College, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education in 1960.
She moved to Portland for a teaching position and taught in Oregon for several years, including at the School for the Blind. In 1980, in addition to teaching, Carol began working in Vision Therapy. She was active in many organizations in Polk County, including ARC and Special Olympics.
Carol was a devoted mother and a tireless advocate for the disabled. She passed away peacefully on July 24, surrounded lovingly by family and friends. Her faith guided her actions and shaped the way she cared for and selflessly advocated for others. She is now home in the arms of Jesus. Her legacy of caring for others will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." — II Timothy 4:7
A memorial service will be held at DRV Assisted Living Chapel, 340 NW Brentwood Ave, Dallas, August 30th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sunny Oaks, 3276 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 (503-370-7973; [email protected]), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting adults with disabilities (I/DD) in Oregon since 1973.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Gene Dronen, Marilyn Moravec-Neidhart, and Dwight Dronen. She is survived by her sister, June Rippley, MT, and her three daughters, Dyla and twins Kelli and Karla, Dallas, OR.
