Carol Carlson

Carol Carlson, age 78, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Glacial Trails Memory Care in Starbuck, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN, (421 Madison Avenue, Ortonville, MN 56278) Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday. Fr. Shawn Polman will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at Clinton City Cemetery in Clinton, MN.

Carol Jean (Vonderharr) Carlson was born on April 18, 1946, in Madison, MN, to Joseph and Estelle (Richard) Vonderharr. She moved to Ortonville, MN, where she met Dennis Carlson at the Big Stone County Dance Hall. Carol and Dennis reconnected a few years later in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

On August 17, 1968, Carol and Dennis were united in marriage. Together, they had three lovely children and made the Twin Cities their home. Carol worked for The Bell Telephone Company, was a Nurses Aid at the University of Minnesota, and worked at Control Data until she retired.

As a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Carol found great comfort in her faith. Carol and Dennis made the Knights of Columbus a large part of their lives spiritually and socially.

In 1976, they purchased the family cabin on Big Stone Lake. This also ended up being the site for their dream home where many good times were had fishing, singing, and dancing. Carol also wintered in Arizona with Dennis for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and sister, with her faith and family at the heart of her life.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Carlson; her children, Scott Carlson, Dean Carlson, and Becky (Matt) Delander; grandchildren: Andrew Carlson, Kate Grosland, and Bo Delander; brothers: Dennis (Betty) Vonderharr, Rick (Carol) Vonderharr, Don (Diane) Vonderharr; Bob (Marianne) Vonderharr, and John (Becky) Vonderharr; Diane Marie Vonderharr, and Linda (Bob) Prestidge; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Estelle; stepmother, Ellen Vonderharr; brothers: Wayne (Linda) Vonderharr, and Roger (Vivian) Vonderharr; and sister, Betty (Larry) Fay.

Any cards or memorials for the family can be sent to the funeral home and we will forward them to the family.

Mundwiler & Larson Funeral Home, PO Box 26, Ortonville, MN 56278.