Caroline Shimota

Caroline Pauline Shimota, age 90, of Webster, died peacefully, surrounded by family on December 3, 2022. Caroline was born on June 22, 1932 at their home farm in Veseli to Ladislav J. “Laddy” and Anna A. (Pavek) Novak. She attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School until 8th grade and then left to help out on the family farm.
On September 6, 1952, Caroline married the love of her life, whom she was smitten with since she was a young girl, Wilbert F. Shimota. The young couple made their home on the family farm in Webster, where they resided together for 65 years. During this time, they raised seven children, who are affectionately referred to as “The Lucky 7”. Caroline had great pride when it came to her family and she looked forward to each visit and every conversation. She was fiercely loyal and had an uncanny knack of knowing when any of her kids were hurting/sad and was famous for her long goodbyes.

Caroline was a devoted farmer’s wife - always available to lend a hand, make a meal or pray for those working in the field until they safely returned home. She was extremely proud of her farming roots and the Century Farm that she cared for so deeply. In her younger years she worked at Green Giant in Montgomery, the Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake and she had a housecleaning business for many years. Caroline had an unwavering Christian faith and was a lifetime member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli and a member of the Altar Society. Las Vegas was a favorite travel destination over the years and locally she loved a good game of bingo and a hot slot machine at Mystic Lake. She had the most vivacious and spunky personality, keen sense of humor, gentle heart, a laugh that could energize the room and she didn’t leave an event until she was able to talk to everyone.

Caroline is survived by her children, Al (Joyce) Shimota of Prior Lake, Karen (Bob) Pexa of New Prague, Gary (Arlys Hoffman) Shimota of St. Thomas, Susan (Steve) Hackett of Ellendale, Carol Sery of New Prague, Fritz (Deb) Shimota of Webster, Lori Pistulka of Lakeville; brothers, Fritz (Joyce) Novak of New Prague and Jerry Novak of Montgomery; sister-in-law, Rita Shimota of Hugo; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Wilbert; parents; mother and father-in-law, Frank W. and Anna J. Shimota; siblings, Marcie Hadac, Anne Fischer, Rose Franek, Mary Jane Vosejpka, George Novak, Lawrence Novak (in infancy); brothers-in-law, Ed Hadac, Joe Franek, Fritz Vosejpka; sisters-in-law, Alice Novak and Betty Novak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 8th, at 11:00am at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli with Father John Lapensky officiating. Visitation will take place Wednesday from 4:00-8:00pm and Thursday morning from 7:30-10:30am at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Veseli, followed by lunch at the Lonsdale Legion Club.