Carol Swanson LAUREL — Carol Swanson, 94, Laurel, died Oct. 30, 2024, at Hillcrest Care Center, Laurel.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Nov. 7, at United Presbyterian Church, Laurel, with Rev. Charity Potter officiating.

Burial will be in the Laurel Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Pallbearers are all of her grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Laurel.

Carol was born Nov. 9, 1929, in Laurel, to Frank and Rose (Urwiler) Sutherland. She grew up on a farm north of Laurel and attended a oneroom country school. She graduated from Laurel High School in 1947. Carol worked for the Laurel Advocate and then was a bookkeeper at Security National Bank, Laurel. She married Merlin “Mert” Swanson Sept. 5, 1948, at the United Presbyterian Church, Laurel. After their marriage, they lived on Carol’s parents’ farm, which was also north of Laurel. Carol continued working at Security National Bank until her children were born, Randy in 1951, David in 1953, and Julie in 1959. In 1961, they quit farming and moved to Laurel where they began their insurance and accounting business, which they continued until 2000, when their son, Randy, took over the business.

Carol and Mert enjoyed going to their cabin in Minnesota when the children were younger, and loved traveling in their motor home all across the country. Carol enjoyed reading and sewing. She was always busy helping those in need. She made pillowcases for children with cancer and hygiene bags for the homeless. Carol was an excellent cook and loved making cookies for her grandchildren.

Carol is survived by two children, Randy (Deb) Swanson, Norfolk, and Julie (Bill) Thorell, Cedar Falls, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Swanson, Wayne; seven grandchildren, Jason Swanson, Justin Swanson, Kristine (Mark) Niemann, Jesse (Tricia) Swanson, Joshua (Martina) Swanson, Jacob (Mandy) Swanson and Jennifer Lucas; 14 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Maddie, Keena, Korina, Lindsay, Kaylee, Hope, Keanna, Brenden, Skylar, Payton, Sam, Jacob and Taylor; one great-great grandson, Keenan; and two nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin Swanson, Oct. 23, 2003; son, David Swanson; brother, Dean Sutherland, and sister, Vivian Miller.