Carole J. Plahn

Carole Judith Plahn, 84, of Sleepy Eye, MN passed away on August 16, 2026, at the Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. The clergy will be Pastor Erin Hernandez. Interment will be at Home Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Carole was a devoted mother and grandmother who dedicated much of her life to the family that she loved dearly. For the past 10 plus years, Carole lived with dementia. Although the disease changed many aspects of her life, it could never diminish the love she had for her family or the love they had for her. Nor could it erase the memories that were made throughout the years. Her family is deeply grateful for all who took care of her during this time for the love, kindness, dignity and care they provided.

Carole was born on July 14, 1942, the daughter of Stanley and Eleanor (Topel) Keller. She grew up in North Minneapolis, graduating from Minneapolis North High School in 1960. Following graduation, she worked as an Underwriter in Insurance for several years. Through mutual friends, Carole met the love of her life. She married Gerald Robert Plahn on February 9, 1968, at Faith United Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. After their marriage she moved from the big city to Sleepy Eye and adjusted to life in a small town. They had 3 children and celebrated 55 years together.

Upon moving to Sleepy Eye, Carole got a job at the Herald Dispatch. Once she had children, she transitioned into the job she always dreamed of - parent and homemaker. She took great pride in this role by always making sure there were homemade treats waiting for her family when they came home after school/work and keeping a clean house and meticulous yard. There was never a moment that the house was not filled with music. Carole always had the stereo or radio playing and she was constantly humming. When the children were older, she started working at Dyckman Free Library. She led "story time," providing education and entertainment to many children over the years. She loved being around children, but her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and were her greatest joy. She loved reading to them, playing games, making crafts and going to parks. In addition, she had a servant's heart and was always looking for ways to help others. She was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church, serving on many committees and completing many service projects. As a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, she organized the grab bag table every year for their fair. She took great joy in buying treasures and recycling wrapping paper so that the booth appealed to many. She had a sweet tooth and especially liked DQ ice cream and Lindor truffles. In her free time, Carole enjoyed sewing, taking walks, gardening, baking, watching Wheel of Fortune and spending time with family/friends. She had several groups of friends that got together for coffee on certain days of the week. Everyone knew not to schedule anything on those days because she was "busy."

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gerald Plahn, her parents, Stanley and Eleanor Keller, sister, Margaret Angermeir and brother, Paul Keller and other family/friends.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Jeffrey) Wurtzberger of Buffalo, MN; sons, Brian (Katherine) Plahn of Lyons, CO and Derek (Liese) Plahn of Blaine, MN, and four grandchildren, Jordan Wurtzberger, Nicole Wurtzberger, Elizabeth Jonjak-Plahn and Colton Jonjak-Plahn.

Rest peacefully Mom! You raised us, loved us and will forever live in our hearts. Until we meet again.