Carol Ann Carlson

Livestreaming will be available at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zLoW6eaLyZk

Carol A. Carlson, age 89 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Saturday from 10 until 11 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 am. The clergy will be Pastor David Nissen. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Carol Ann Smedstad was born on June 22, 1935, in Morris, Minnesota to Maxwell and Edna Smedstad. She was baptized on July 28, 1935, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City, Minnesota and confirmed on May 14, 1950, in Hoffman, Minnesota. While in high school, Carol met Clayton Carlson whom she later married at First Lutheran Church in Morris. In 1957, the couple moved back to Minnesota from the East Coast when Clayton had finished serving in the United States Navy. They lived in various towns in Minnesota eventually settling in Sleepy Eye in 1964 where they raised their three children. Carol worked a few seasons at Del Monte and thoroughly enjoyed her career as a receptionist at the Sleepy Eye Medical Clinic until her retirement in 2002.

Faith was the foundation of Carols life early on. From Sunday School and Luther Crest Bible Camp while growing up, to attending Lutheran-affiliated Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and finally to being an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye for nearly 60 years, Carol lived her faith by example, through her words, her battle and victory over cancer, and with music. She was involved in a variety of groups, committees, Sunday School, etc., and was the captain of the Trinity Lutheran Relay for Life team for years. She believed deeply in the power of prayer.

Music was an integral part of Carols life and with her beautiful alto voice, she sang in various groups, choirs, and as a soloist. Her voice was a blessing she shared with others and a way for her to express her faith. She enjoyed listening to classical music, along with some country, rock, and gospel. She also loved community theater and musicals, both as a participant and spectator.

Carol had a true gift for making others feel comfortable and welcome. Carol valued family and traditions. She set a beautiful table and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She knew how to make the absolute best pot roast and had a knack for reading a book while simultaneously cooking on the stove. She was always ready to share a strong cup of coffee and conversation with anyone who stopped by as her door was always open. Reading, poetry, doing crossword puzzles, watching birds, and sharing laughter with others while sitting on her porch, soothed her soul. Carol was an amazing mom and grandma who will be missed beyond measure.

Carol is survived by her children, Craig (Linda) Carlson of New Ulm, MN; Cynthia Carlson (Peter Wainebro) of Vetlanda, Sweden; and Chad (Kylie) Carlson of Nevis, MN; granddaughter, Kara Carlson; brother, Richard Smedstad (Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith) of Huntsville, AL; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Carlson; parents, Maxwell and Edna Smedstad; and brother, Gerald Smedstad.