Carole Ann Barsness

Carole Ann Barsness, 80, of Saint Paul, passed away on Monday, August 25.  Visitation will take place from 4:30PM-7:30PM on Wednesday, September 10 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55105.  Burial will take place the following day on Thursday, September 11 at 1PM Kenyon Cemetery in Kenyon, Minnesota.

Carole was born in St. Paul and raised near the small town of Brownton, MN. She was orphaned at age 12 years. She graduated from Gibbon High School in 1963 and went on to nursing school affiliated with the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis where she began her nursing career there. Carole married Fred Barsness and the couple moved to Rochester, MN where Carole worked at Methodist Hospital.

After their daughter Lane was born, they moved to Kenyon, MN, where Carole worked at Kenyon Sunset Nursing Home. Later, Carole changed careers and worked for 3M as a human resources manager, first in Northfield and then in St. Paul, MN. During that time, her HR role took her to many 3M manufacturing plants around the globe where she assisted in their openings and closings. She also completed her bachelor's degree from Metro State University, St. Paul, MN. In 2000, Carole retired from the workplace and enjoyed life to the fullest.. Later, Carole changed careers and worked for 3M as a human resources manager, first in Northfield and then in St. Paul, MN. During that time, her HR role took her to many 3M manufacturing plants around the globe where she assisted in their openings and closings. She also completed her bachelor’s degree from Metro State University, St. Paul, MN. In 2000, Carole retired from the workplace and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Carole was known for her strong independent spirit. She enjoyed quilting, stained glass work, and many other crafts. Her keen interest in antiques brought her into the auction houses where she made numerous friends. She hosted spring and fall antique yard sales with these friends for many years at her home on Summit Avenue. Her love of travel also took her to various destinations in the United States and around the world.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents, John and Clara Kelm. She is survived by her daughter, Lane Barsness. She will be greatly missed by her life partner, Jerry Rehnke, as well as her many friends and other family.