Carol Joy Kolarsky, age 79, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on Sunday, March 9, 2025 with one last hand-squeeze to Don, her beloved husband of 59 years. Carol is now free from the physical challenges she endured. She can dance again with many loved ones, who have gone before her, but she will be deeply missed by those she loved; especially by Don who faithfully cared for her through each challenge she endured.

Carol was born on June 26, 1945 in Anoka, MN. She first met her husband in second grade at St. John the Baptist in New Brighton, MN. Upon graduating from Spring Lake Park High School in 1963, Carol began working for Honeywell in the Twin Cities.

On May 7, 1966, Carol married the love of her life, Don Kolarsky at St. John the Baptist. They were blessed with 3 children: Ken, Kris and Thomas. Carol was a devoted wife and mother.

With a heart of hospitality for family, friends, and neighbors, Don and Carol hosted large family gatherings, monthly card-playing, and ‘anyone who needed a place to stay’.

Her collection of clowns in the ‘clown room’, or angels throughout the house, or cardinals up at the cabin will not soon be forgotten. Carol enjoyed shopping with friends. She loved to buy home décor, jewelry, and greeting cards. Everyone known and loved by Carol faithfully received birthday, anniversary, or ‘just because’ cards. She wanted to let them know how special they were to her.

Carol will also be remembered for her keen business savvy, and the many individuals she helped find employment through the business she successfully owned and operated, Valet Service, in Brainerd, MN.

The warmth of Carol’s smile, her teasing with a ‘hint-of-mischief’, her intuition, and her generosity drew people to her whether young or old. She enjoyed people, especially children. When the young grandkids visited, she put out many candy dishes. She would motion to the grandkids and say, “Come here…want some? We won’t tell your parents.”

As the physical challenges increased over the years, Don would say, “She never complains, and she has a high pain tolerance.” She lived the motto: “Don’t ever give up.” She can echo the words of the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Don Kolarsky; 3 children, Ken (Cola) of Portland, OR, Kris of Brainerd, MN, Thomas (Heidi) of Spokane, WA; 11 grandchildren, Noah, Luke, Sasha, Archer, Krystal, Amber, Brandon, Anna, Noheami, Kairos, and Simeon; 4 siblings, Sharron Feichtinger of Plymouth, MN, Jim (Ranae) Breyen of Bemidji, MN, Dave (Pam) Breyen of Andover, MN and Tom (Cathy) Breyen of Atlanta, GA; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and the ‘adopted’ family of Buster and Joan Eischens.

Don and Carol have deep gratitude for their guardian angel, Marguerite Higgins Henry, and her husband, Paul. The family would like to thank the amazing team of St. Joseph's Hospice and the caregivers at Crystal Brook and Heritage Living Center. Their care was a gift.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Lucille Breyen and her in-laws, John and Regina Kolarsky.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to St. Mary’s elevator fund.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Rev. Father Joe Richards presiding. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Two Inlets.

Arrangements by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.