Carol Elaine Lavold (née Anderson)

Carol Elaine (Anderson) Lavold was born on December 22,1934 to Paul and Milla Anderson. Carol was raised on a farm near St. Hilaire, MN with her brother, Ronnie, and two sisters, Marilyn (Christianson) and Yvonne (Martin). She was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1935, and Confirmed in 1948 at the Calgary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire, MN. Carol graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1951. She worked as a legal secretary in Thief River for one year before attending Concordia College. She received a finance degree and worked as a secretary for a financial investment group in Fargo, ND. 

On November 10, 1956, Carol married Jack Lavold at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They made their home in Dayton, Ohio for one year, before relocating to Cottage Grove, MN. Together, Jack and Carol have 3 sons: Michael, Brad, and Eric (Sandy). 

A devoted wife and mother, Carol stayed home to raise her sons. She was a Cub Scouts “den mother” for all 3 boys. Her home was spotless and decorated (and redecorated) beautifully! She was always cleaning and loved doing the laundry. Carol’s favorite household task was tending to the yard. She loved whipping around on her riding lawn mower, pulling weeds, and planting flowers. If she wasn’t inside working, she was outside admiring her garden. 

Carol was an active member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, MN. She served as a fourth grade Sunday School teacher for many decades. She loved to share her faith with others, especially the very first Bible verse she ever memorized as a teenager from Psalm 51 “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me”.

Carol was known to her friends and family as an avid quilter. One of the rare times she would sit down during the day would be while working on a quilt. Each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have received one of her handmade quilts during her lifetime. Each quilt represents hours and hours of love poured into every stitch. Several of her close friends have also received one of her talented creations as a wedding gift. She made her last quilt in 2018 when her eye sight made operating the sewing machine difficult.

Apart from quilting, Carol spent her time restoring antique furniture, shopping, collecting porcelain dolls, watching Hallmark movies, and practicing old-time church hymns on her piano. 

Carol was lucky enough to travel the world with Jack. Some of her favorite international trips included London, Brussels, Paris, and Rome. Two highlights of her American travels include cross country skiing at Steam Boat Springs in Colorado, and biking the trails of Wisconsin and Northern Minnesota. She visited many National Parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier.

Those who were lucky enough to call Carol “grandma” know that it was her favorite title. She loved watching her grandkids activities, especially their Christmas concerts. Carol was always worried her grandkids were working too hard, but never wondered where their work ethic came from. Everyone knew if they showed up to her house, they would be served French toast, macaroni and cheese, and jello salad. If she knew one of her grandkids was visiting, she would make up a batch of Special K bars or her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her cookie recipe can be found on the back of the yellow package of chocolate chips (you’re welcome!). 

Carol passed away on Sunday morning, September 13, 2026 at the Pillars Hospice. The end came suddenly for her, with a late diagnosis of colon cancer only four days before her death. She spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones and was never alone, even as she took her final breath. 

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Jack; her son Michael; her son Brad and his children, Jenna (Conor) Kennelly and Paul; her son Eric (Sandy) and their children, Luke and Axl; her other grandchildren Sheila SantaMaria, Evandro SantaMaria, and Vicky (Bruce) London. Her numerous great-grandchildren include: Maria, Frannie, Evelyn, Jack, Cecilia, Brigid, and Stephen Kennelly; Max Cruz; Isabella SantaMaria; Conrad and Adrian London. She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie (Virginia) Anderson, and sister, Yvonne (Tim) Martin; sister-in-law Kay Nelson; and several nieces and nephews. 

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Milla Anderson; her sister, Marilyn (Dale) Christianson; brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Lavold; and brother-in-law, Duane Nelson.

Carol’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the palliative care team at Regions Hospital, Sara and the entire care team at the Pillars, as well as all of our friends who visited, prayed (from near and far), and delivered food during her final days. We can never forget the love shown to us during that special time.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 8100 Belden Blvd., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. All are invited to stay for a reception following the service.

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