Carrol Odell (Olson) SANDERSON

OLSON, SANDERSON, HOEL, SCHNEIDER, LUTHER, DORNER, CANFIELD, SEDLAK, SZEWS, BROWN, KAN, RUNTSCH, CARLSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

November 4, 1929 ---- January 18, 2022

Rochester – Carrol Odell Olson Sanderson was born on Nov. 4, 1929, in Bottineau County, North Dakota. On Jan. 18, 2022, she entered into the arms of Jesus. She was 92.

Carrol was the daughter of Oscar and Clara Olson. She attended school in Souris, North Dakota, and graduated from high school in 1947. From there she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, where she met her future husband, Orville Sanderson. In 1951 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and Education. That summer she married Orville at Trinity Lutheran Church in Souris, North Dakota. Her new husband went on to attend Luther Seminary in St. Paul, where they made their first home. During this time, Carrol worked as a parish worker in St. Paul.

In addition to raising four children, Carrol worked as a secondary school teacher, either part-time or as a substitute, in Minnesota and Iowa. In 1980 she became the social worker at Bethany Manor Nursing Home in Story City, Iowa.

Over the years, Carrol and Orville lived in Fertile, Ellsworth, Harlan, Eagle Grove, Story City, and Ames, Iowa, as well as Bricelyn, where Orville served in various parishes. After Orville passed away in 2005, Carrol continued to live in Ames until 2012 when she moved to Charter House in Rochester.

Carrol loved to quilt and do embroidery. Her designs were beautiful, and she gave away her creations to family and friends. She also donated many quilts to help Riverside Bible Camp raise money every year.

In addition to her generous spirit, Carrol was a very sharp card player and took delight in playing Whist, Uno, and Bridge with her family and friends. She loved to entertain, and there was always kringle and fresh coffee at her house. Carrol was very active in all of the churches she belonged to, doing everything from leading youth groups to conducting Bible studies. Carrol had a deep faith, and the pages of her Bible were well worn.

Carrol was an avid collector of Precious Moments figurines and was enthralled with each one’s theme and message. During the last few years, Carrol became known as the “puzzle lady” at Charter House. She spent her days putting together jigsaw puzzles and joking with the staff, who came to love her unique sense of humor. Carrol never took herself too seriously and enjoyed the activities she was able to do. She will be missed by all.

Carrol is survived by her four children: a daughter, Ruth (Robert) Hoel, of Rochester; a son, Daniel (Naila) Sanderson, of New Richmond, Wisconsin; a daughter, Miriam (Marc) Schneider, of Pace, Florida; and a daughter, Rachel (Dennis) Luther, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Shani (Brent) Dorner, Talitha (Jamie) Canfield, Rebecca (Stuart) Sedlak, Kim (Brandon) Szews, Marika (Joseph) Brown, Elizabeth (Wilbur) Kan, Joel (Bryanna) Sanderson, Marah (Nick) Runtsch, Morgan Luther, Marie Carlson, Zachary Luther, Matthew Carlson, and Vanessa Luther. Carrol had 21 great-grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and many, many friends.

Carrol has donated her body for scientific research at Mayo Clinic. Memorial suggestions include Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp, Story City, Iowa, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, and the World Mission Prayer League, Minneapolis. A service of celebration will be held at 1 p.m. on April 30 at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester.