Carol Ohlsen, 102

Dec. 25, 1920 - 

June 22, 2023

 

CRESCO - Carol Ruth (Nicholson) Ohlsen, 102, passed away peacefully at Evans Nursing Home in Cresco on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Carol was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 1920, to Richard and Helen Nicholson in Lynd, Minn. After she graduated high school in Lynd, Carol went on to Hamlin University, St. Paul, to major in music. While there, she met Roger. To this union were born three children: Gretchen, Bruce and Terry. They made their home in Lynd, where Roger and Carol’s dad owned a hardware store. After selling their business in 1962 they moved their family to Luverne, MN, where Carol made her home until 2013 when she moved to Cresco. She lived at Evans Nursing Home her last three years.

Carol was a life-long musician, spending over 60 years playing organ for various churches in Sioux Falls and Brookings, South Dakota and Luverne. 

Throughout her life, she had a variety of occupations working for Rock County Highway Department, State Farm Insurance, Creger’s Clothing Store and many years as Administrator for the Blue Mound Towers Apartments. She was a social butterfly, playing many games of 500 and bridge with friends and family and enjoying events with Red Hat Society and the Tourist Club.

In her 102 years of life, Carol witnessed more history than most ever will: 19 different Presidents, 22 Minnesota Governors, Great Depression, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, saw the worst act of terrorism on Sept. 11th and survived Covid 19 twice. She experienced inventions that we take for granted today: Band-Aids, TV, traffic lights, microwaves, velcro, and numerous others.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, husband Roger, son Terry, son-in-law Ken Becker, grandson Brice, and long-time family friend Jack Dainsburg. 

She is survived by Gretchen, Bruce, grandchildren Kimberly (Aaron Johnson) Lehmkuhl, Todd (Holly) Becker, Amberlee (Eric) Shervin, Bryan Ohlsen, Aaron Ohlsen, and Jerod Ohlsen, great grandchildren Gabriel (Gabby) Becker, Isabella Lehmkuhl, Chloe Becker, Finnley Bonfig, Burke and Freya Shervin, Esmee Ohlsen and Dalton Ohlsen, and one great-great granddaughter, Aspyn Becker.

Carol will be remembered for her wit, sense of humor, classiness, and her love of coffee and chocolate. Her spirit shined brightly to those around her, and everyone who knew her loved her.

The Ohlsen and Becker families would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evan’s Nursing Home for the loving and attentive care Carol received while she was a resident there.

Services will be held in Luverne at a later date. Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.