Carol Jean Mellesmoen, age 82, of Champlin, MN, formerly of Silver Bay, MN, passed away on the evening of Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Mercy Hospital. Carol was born November 1st, 1942 in Lincoln MN. She was the daughter of Ernest and Edna (Stroman) Smith. She was the 5th oldest of 12 children.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Wendy (Jim) Ulrick of Champlin MN; son, Neil (Steph Smrekar) Mellesmoen of Eden Prairie MN; daughter, Becky (Tom) Jaeger of Elk River MN; four grandchildren, Chase Ulrick, Lexie Jaeger, Logen Jaeger, and Levi Jaeger; her sisters, Linda, Diane, Debi, and Barb (Steve) Dvorak; brother, Denny (Mary); and many nieces and nephews.
Carol graduated from Motley High School in 1960. In school, Carol loved the arts and was active in Choir, Marching Band, Band (playing drums & French horn), and theater; this love for the arts continued on throughout her life. She was involved in FHA, Nurses Club, and in her Senior year she was voted in for Homecoming Queen Candidate.
Carol met the love of her life, Duane LeRoy Mellesmoen, and were married on August 5th, 1961 in Motley, MN. Duane was in the Army, moving them out of the state, but landing in Finland, MN for a short time and eventually moving to Silver Bay on Davis Drive where they raised their three children and where Duane worked for Reserve Mining. Carol devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and children. She loved getting together with the Davis Drive neighbors; enjoying coffee & cake or pie, BBQs, holiday gatherings, garage parties, even lawn mower racing. Carol loved spending time with her husband and children, whether it was dancing, concerts, playing bingo, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, 4 wheeling, sports, snowmobiling, rodeos, and traveling all over the USA to visit family and friends. Carol was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Silver Bay. She was active in Birthday Club, Garden Club, and playing Volleyball on the ladies’ league. In 2016 Carol and Duane purchased their home in Champlin, MN and moved to be closer to family.
Carol was a person of many passions throughout her whole life. She loved dancing which was a strong influence growing up in her family. She had a wide variety of hobbies and loved creative writing and making cards, painting, and ceramics and was asked to paint the eyes on ceramic pieces for many others. She also loved sewing. Family and friends asked her to alter and mend items. She also sewed prom dresses, wedding, and bridesmaid dresses. Carol loved playing cards, trips to the Casino, Bingo, Music, and hosting family and friends. Her love of cooking and baking led to a successful, lifelong catering and cake decorating business that reached farther than the North Shore. Carol spent time living with her daughter in Champlin and working with her at NCR Comten in Blaine. She loved the electronics industry and frequently talked about making hippie headbands (flat cable), a favorite of hers. Carol also worked at the Forestry department, Credit Union, and many local restaurants (Silver Bay Country Club, Cove Point, Lutsen, Senior Dining, A&W, and ARA Food Services) to name a few. She also had her Stanley Home Products business. She loved sharing her knowledge of cooking and cake baking and decorating and taught classes. Education was important to Carol and through the years she would drive to Duluth to take classes.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; her parents, Ernest and Edna Smith; her three brothers, Roger, Larry, and Duane; and her three sisters, Betty Ann, Janice, and Sharon.
Carol was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and will be remembered for her kind, caring, and generous heart, her outgoing and contagious personality, and her laugh and beautiful smile that could light up the room. She had a gift to gab, even if she just met you. Her home was warm and welcoming and she always had time to lend an ear no matter what time of the day or night it was. She had a zest for life and strong opinions because she wanted the world to be a better place for everyone. Carol never realized that her bright light touched so many people and that she made a difference in so many lives. Carol will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Carol will be laid to rest at the Champlin Cemetery with her husband. More details to follow.
