Carol J. Nemitz

MOUNT PLEASANT- Carol J. Nemitz, 89, died on February 3, 2024, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She was born February 25, 1934, in Pulaski, Iowa, to William and Joyce Baughman Nemitz. Carol’s childhood was spent with her brother, Rex, and their cousin, JoAnn Baughman, who was raised in their home.

Carol’s early education was in the Pulaski schools where she graduated from high school in 1951. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1956. During her time at Iowa Wesleyan she played basketball, was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, was active in band, chorus, drama, publications, and in activities of the church.

From 1953 to 1958 Carol taught elementary classes in the Wapello, Keystone, and Corydon school systems. In 1960 she completed a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Iowa. Following her time at Iowa she was appointed Residence Hall Director at the University of Northern Iowa.

Carol joined the staff of Iowa Wesleyan College in 1963 where she remained until her retirement in August of 2013. Her return as a professional at the College included roles in Student Affairs and teaching psychology. Later, she became Dean of Women, Dean of Student Personnel Services and in 1979 was appointed Iowa Wesleyan’s first female Vice President when she was named Vice President of Student Affairs. She was also an active manager in several of the college’s expansion projects including the construction of new campus buildings and the restoration of the historic Chapel Auditorium. In 2002, she served as Interim President of IWC.

Carol was a member of the National Association of Women in Education, The Student Personnel Administrators, The Foreign Student Advisors, and The American Association of University Women.

In the Mt. Pleasant community, Carol was an active member of First United Methodist Church, serving on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and as a delegate to the Iowa Annual Conference for many years. She was also involved with Rotary International and Chapter DD of TTT. She enjoyed serving on the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Utilities Board.

Carol was a past president of Chapter Original A of PEO, which was founded on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College in 1869.  Her work with PEO continued to be an important focus in her retirement.  

Carol received numerous awards throughout her career and for her volunteer work, but the ones bestowed upon her by Iowa Wesleyan held a special place in her heart. She was honored with the Alumni Service Award, The Distinguished Service Award, and received an honorary doctorate from the College. She received the Iowa Student Personnel Association Distinguished Service Award, naming her the first woman in the organization's history to earn this distinction. The award recognized her "long and meritorious service in student affairs, a high level of administrative competence, and leadership in community and college affairs." In recognition of her many significant contributions, a newly constructed residence hall on the Iowa Wesleyan campus was named Nemitz Suites.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her dear friend Ruth Keraus and her beloved dog Lady, brother Rex, sister-in-law Helen, cousins JoAnn Baughman Carter and Barbara Carter. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews: Pat (Dan) Adkison, Connie (Brian) Kissell, Jackie (Don) Smith, and John Nemitz, all residing in Missouri; JoAnn’s children Mary Louise (Roy) Harrell and Cindy Frazier, residing in Texas. Additionally, she is survived by six great nieces and nephews and nine great great nieces and nephews.

 Carol’s pioneering spirit, dedication and wry wit will be remembered by her family, many friends, and the larger Iowa Wesleyan community that made up her world.

 Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. Rev. Court Fischer will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. The service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church YouTube Channel, Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant, Heifer International www.heifer.org, and Henry County Heritage Trust - In support and honor of The Iowa Wesleyan Legacy Archives, Henry County Heritage Trust, PO Box 333, Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641, www.henrycountyheritagetrust.org. The Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory is caring for Carol and her family.