Carol Birchmier, 72, of Maxwell, died Friday, March 4, 2011 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Carol was born March 4, 1939 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of William and Pamela (Lyon) Phelan. When she was in 6th grade, she moved with her parents south of Maxwell. She graduated from the Maxwell High School in 1957 and from Mercy School of Nursing. She was united in marriage to Albert Lee Birchmier on November 26, 1960 in Elkhart, Iowa. Together they farmed until Albert Lee's death on January 7, 2001. Carol was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Colo. She learned to love farming alongside of her father. Her love of family and farm allowed her to follow every planting and harvest until last year. Carol loved her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending the winter months in Texas and playing cards with friends. Carol is survived by 5 children: William (Tracy) Birchmier of Maxwell, Ann (Brian) Wilkening of Maxwell; Brian (Sheryl) Birchmier of Maxwell, David (Rhonda) Birchmier of Maxwell, Daniel (Kim) Birchmier of Story City; 14 grandchildren: John Birchmier, James Birchmier, Phelan Birchmier, Brock Kimberley, Storm Wilkening, Connor Wilkening, Tyler Longren, Kyle Longren, Jessica Birchmier, Lance Birchmier, Kacey Birchmier, Trever Birchmier, Tanner Birchmier and Cole Birchmier; 1 great grand-daughter: Sydney Longren; and one sister: Evelyn Hinman of Des Moines. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Lee; 1 granddaughter: Stacey Birchmier; and a sister: Anne Carroll. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colo, Iowa. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery at Colo. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 PM Monday at the Bacon Funeral Home in Maxwell. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 8:00 PM following the visitation. Memorials may be made to Saint Mary's Catholic Church or to Holy Cross Catholic Church.