Carol Turena (Holger) Finseth

KNCQ968 – Home to base.  Dean, I’m on my way!

On Monday, August 30, 2021, God’s heavenly angels paved a path and gently guided Carol Turena Holger Finseth to the gates of Heaven to meet her Maker that so skillfully created her beautiful soul. A greeting she had been looking forward to her entire life.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and dear friends at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Carol was born February 17th 1931 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to John Oscar Holger and Anna Emelia (Millie) Ekre Holger.  She was welcomed by her sister Edna Orvilda.

From the time Carol was a baby she lived on a farm in the Pilot Mound area. She attended the Thorson one room school from first to eighth grade. Then graduated from Chosen Valley high school in Chatfield in 1949. After high school she worked at Northwest Insurance Company as a key puncher.  It was during this time that she met the love of her life and her future husband Dean Finseth at a dance in Lanesboro.  They were married March 7, 1954.

Carol and Dean’s main farming venture was on Carol’s childhood farm where they had dairy cows, 4,000 chickens (Carol’s passion and her business), pigs, sheep, ducks and crops.  The best thing that they raised were their babies.  Sons Chris Dean and Jon Allen,  and their daughter Karen Edna (Toopy).

In 1975 while running their independent business - Finseth Refrigeration and Dairy Equipment, they built and moved into a home in Chatfield.  After moving to town, Carol worked at Sisson’s Grocery store, Olstead Implement and continued to maintain the accounting for the family business.

In between raising a family and the farm work she found time to be involved in Homemakers, Circle, Founders committee and other numerous interests.  There were many adventures, traveling around the world, the State Fair and Hostefest, but there was no place like home.

Carol was a faithful servant of God, and her faith was the foundation and anchor of her life.  She loved unconditionally, welcomed and embraced everyone with open arms.  She could make a fence post come to life.   She loved Norwegian baking, chickens, sewing, quilting, crocheting prayer shawls, creating Hardanger pieces, mowing the lawn, taking care of her family pets, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune,  cappuccino, white chocolate, Cheetos, cheesecake, spending time with  friends and family.

She is survived by her sister Edna Johnson, her sons Chris (Lynnae), Jon (Jean), her daughter Karen Parks (David), grandchildren Tor (Rachel), Lisbet, and Kaylee.  She was preceded in death by her Ma, Pa, husband Dean, and brother-in-law Gordy Johnson.

Thank you to the Chosen Valley Assisted Living staff, the Chosen Valley Care Center staff, Season’s Hospice staff, Pastor Nissa, Pastor Mark, Dr. Dietz and the OMC staff, neighbors, friends and relatives, for all of the loving support she received.

Please send memorials to the Chatfield Lutheran Church or the Chosen Valley Care Center.

Her Funeral will be Saturday, September 4th at the Chatfield Lutheran Church at 11 AM with visitation starting at 9:30.  There will be a private family burial at the Chatfield cemetery. Following the service, a link will be available on YouTube if you are unable to attend the visitation or the funeral.

Due to COVID-19 masks are required, and there will not be a reception following the church service.

“Of wisdom ways we wisely seek, five things observe with care. Of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how and when and where.”

Sove godt…

Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com