Carol Ann Knodle, age 77, Fargo, ND, died peacefully with her family under hospice care at Sanford on Broadway, in Fargo, ND., on December 13, 2024, after a 13-month battle with pancreatic cancer. 

   Carol was born on January 6, 1947, the daughter of Louie and Anna Regier.  She grew up in Moorhead, Minn., with her younger sister Helen Peters.  Carol graduated from Moorhead High in 1965, and Moorhead State University in 1969.  In 1970, she married Merril Knodle in Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead Minn. Their son Michael was born 1970, and in 1972, they moved to Hillsboro.  In 1987, the family moved to Fargo, where they have lived for the last 41 years.

   Carol and Merril have shared two passions. First their son, then daughter-in-law Jackie, and then their four grandchildren, never missing a school or sporting event or personal milestone.  A young Swedish girl spent a year with them in 1985 as a foreign exchange student, becoming a part of the families’ lives. Their second passion has been involvement in their faith community at the Flame of Faith United Methodist Church, West Fargo.  Carol was the Secretary/Treasurer for a number of years, and an active member in numerous church activities. She combined her service with her love of travel by participating in, and later leading, multiple mission trips to Bolivia and the Dominican Republic.

   Carol’s other service commitment was to the local chapter of the Altrusa Club, both as a Board member and Treasurer for many years. An important creative outlet was her love of crafting. She was part of a strong circle of friends who shared her interests. 

   She combined family, friends, hobbies, travels, and faith with her career, first as a math teacher in Pelican Rapids, and then as bookkeeper AgWay Grandin, Farmers Union Oil, Hillsboro, and Paradiso Restaurant, Fargo.  She was a clerk at the Fargo Municipal Court, and finally a bookkeeper for Cash Aaland Law. Carol always seemed to have the energy to give her best and power through any obstacles that came along.  She was often described as a “force of nature” by all who knew and loved her.

   Carol is survived by her husband Merril; son Michael and daughter-in-law Jackie; grandchildren Jacob, Grant, Annika, and Quinn; sister Helen; and Swedish daughter Anneli.

   Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

   Visitation & Prayer Service: A visitation will be held FRIDAY, December 20, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in West Funeral Home, West Fargo.

   Memorial Service: SUNDAY, December 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., in Flame of Faith United Methodist Church, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Delayed internment: Caledonia Cemetery, Caledonia, North Dakota.

   In Carol's memory, please plant a tree in lieu of flowers.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com