Obituary of Carol Jean (Rodenbo) Lonetto

Carol Jean (Rodenbo) Lonetto

Carol was born at Hibbing General Hospital, May 19th, 1952, to Delores and Jerry Rodenbo. She lived in Redore, Bovey, and finally Duluth, attending Lakeside Elementary, Ordean and East High School (member of Student Art), and Duluth Area Vocational Technical Institute, graduating as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She worked as Activities Director at both Faribault's State Institute and Aitkin's Akota Nursing Home before settling back in Duluth where she worked at the Human Development Center as a Case Aide/Life Coach, teaching independence skills to people with cognitive and mental health disabilities. She volunteered as a Board Member of the Mental Health Association of MN, advocating to establish mental health patient rights for treatment and independence that was part of what shaped care in MN, leading to our state being recognized nationwide for Mental Health Support.

Carol was a long time active member of UMW at Asbury UMC Church. She also volunteered in the community through CHUM, the Food Shelf, the Lake Superior Zoo, and the Tweed Museum. Carol later returned to school to fulfill a lifelong dream at UMD to get a BA in Art History and Graphic Design.

Her knowledge of literature, love of art & world history, paired with a quick wit made Carol an intelligent and personable conversationalist.

Her strength of spirit, faith, love of life, artistic viewpoint and incredible creativity led her to see the awe in the mundane, the abundance of beauty in life, and to find the joy in every day.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Delores and Jerry Rodenbo, as well as her husband and best friend, Roger Lonetto. They will now be able to enjoy the most golden of years together. She is survived by siblings Elaine McWaters, Gerald (Sue) Rodenbo, and Linda (Scott) Anderson. Daughters Jennifer (Josh) Gutowski, and Teresa Turner. Grandsons Tobias, Justin and Jacob. Step-Daughters Tania Lonetto, Robyn Fryt, and their families. And many nieces and nephews. She felt her family, daughters, and grandchildren, made life worth living.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. January 12th 2019, visitation one hour prior, at The Cremation Society of MN Duluth 4100 Grand Ave Duluth MN