Carol Mereness

Carol Joyce Mereness was born on June 2, 1925 to Harry and Lydia (Ciesman) Peterson in Stillwater, Minnesota. She graduated from Stillwater High School and St. Olaf College in Northfield. She worked for a time for NSP as a home economist. Introduced by close friends, Carol married Charles Mereness on June 14, 1950 in Stillwater, MN. In 1958, Carol and Chuck settled in Arden Hills, MN to raise their children. After Chuck retired, they moved to Stillwater, MN. Carol was a devoted wife and mother and loved being a grandmother and great grandmother. Carol’s Lutheran faith and heritage played a prominent role in her life. She was known for preparing exceptional holiday meals, passing on family traditions, knitting beautiful Scandinavian projects, and superior crossword puzzle skills. She always had a good book nearby and loved attending a great concert or play or visits to the Hinds Lake cabin. Few things were more important to her than gathering with family or friends and engaging in insightful conversations. Carol died peacefully in the presence of her daughters at Boutwell’s Landing on October 30, 2020, at the age of 95.

Carol cared deeply about her family and is survived by her two daughters, Gail (Scott) Barduson of Pipestone and Beth (Tom) Karlson of Rosemount; 5 grandchildren, Andrew Barduson, Beth Lynn (Josh) Janzen, Paul (LeAnn) Barduson, Lydia Karlson, and Samuel Karlson; and six great grandchildren; along with nieces, a nephew and many wonderful friends. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lydia Peterson, husband and best friend, Charles Mereness;  infant son, Richard Craig; sister, Evelyn Fredrickson; niece, Susan Mikkelson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Thorbeck; brothers-in-law, Tom Fredrickson, Oscar Thorbeck, and Robert Mereness.

A private funeral service for the immediate family will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater followed by Interment at Fairview Cemetery. Bradshaw Funeral Home of Stillwater will live-stream the service.  Memorials preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church Music Program, American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association.