Obituary of Carol Janet Herter

Carol Janet Herter, 81, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, Michigan, following a brief illness. She was born in Buchanan, Michigan on July 22, 1939, to the late Chester F. and Mable L. (Truhn) Sorget. After graduating from Buchanan High School, Carol married Carl “Ed” Forrester, and to that union, three children were born. She married Joseph Herter in 1992; they shared twenty-five years together before his passing in 2017. Carol was one of seven children. Growing up she was taught the value of hard work. Her children recall many days spent snapping beans, peeling peaches, and preparing any other fruit or vegetable that she wanted to preserve. Her creative talents, and canning abilities, were more than just a necessity; they were her way of showing love, and a willingness to give back and care for others. Even though she was diagnosed at a young age with Multiple Sclerosis, her tenacity and hard work, created an atmosphere where she was able to live a full and productive life, for many years after her health battle began. She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as siblings; Joanne Knapp, Jack Sorget, Robert Sorget, Dale Sorget, and her husband, Joseph F. Herter. She is survived by two siblings; Joyce Hoge and Kim Sorget. Carol is survived by her children, Phillip Forrester of Bellevue, Michigan; Dawn “Renee” (James) Bentley of St. Joseph, Michigan; Vicky Katona of Southern Shores, North Carolina. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Sarah Katona, Isabelle Forrester, and Alex Forrester; along with many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions, in her memory, may be directed to memorial the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) 800-532-7667 In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.