Obituary of Carrol Jay Amundson

Carrol "Pink" Amundson, age 92, of Prior Lake, died on September 1, 2021. Pink was a sweet, sweet man, tender-hearted, generous, and hardworking. He had known poverty and hardship and lived simply so he could help those in need. He insisted on showing respect and kindness to all people, regardless of class, color, or orientation. He was grateful for the little things: a hot shower, a ripe tomato, and seeing the curve of the earth as he gazed at the horizon on the ocean. He was a devoted husband who absolutely cherished his wife. He showed his affection by holding her hand, gentle teasing, and writing love notes. He delighted in little children and looked the other way when they were a tad naughty. He laughed and cried easily. He was an extraordinary, ordinary man that made a difference in so many lives. We were so lucky to have had him in ours.

He was born to Richard and Effie Amundson in 1928 on their farm near Norcross, MN. At age 3, his family moved to the Alberta, MN area where he grew up and attended school. His early life was shaped by the Great Depression. From the time he was 12, he earned all of his own money by working a variety of jobs including farm hand, railroad section hand, sheep dipper, store clerk, and delivery truck driver. A natural athlete and musician, he participated in high school football, basketball, baseball, track and band. He’d first rush for a touchdown and then rush to play in the band at half-time. He then set his sights on college and attended Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota. When the cost became too great, he found employment at Northwest Airlines. He retired over 40 years later as a lead inspector in the engine shop.

Carrol finished his college degree requirements while simultaneously working full time at NWA. He went to classes in the morning, worked in the evening, and at age 37 graduated with honors with a degree in education. He loved teaching and was a sought-after substitute teacher. Although he was offered a full-time teaching position, the responsible pragmatist opted to stay with NWA, as it offered greater job security and compensation for his growing family.

Carrol met Dorothy, his future wife and love of his life, in first grade. Friends through their school-age years, it wasn’t until he was hired to help Dorothy’s brother on the farm that a romance blossomed. He may have had ulterior motives when he asked her to wash his back after a hard day’s work… They married in 1951 and enjoyed 68 years of a wonderfully happy married life. They had five children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Carrol had a variety of interests. Both Dorothy and he loved traveling. They explored much of the USA and visited Israel, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Mexico and many countries in Europe. Despite visiting so many countries, he only mastered the Norwegian accent which he utilized in his groan-worthy Ole and Lena jokes. In addition to telling jokes, he could often be heard humming, whistling and singing. He enjoyed horticulture and learned how to graft branches thereby creating a crabapple tree that bore full-sized apples. A hobby beekeeper and an avid gardener, he happily shared honey, beeswax candles and copious amounts of vegetables with friends and family. Last, but not least, he loved babies and babies loved him. If there was a baby nearby, there you’d find Carrol cuddling and cooing to the little bundle.

Carrol was a committed, progressive Christian with his life based on the Biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. His calling in later life was to reach out to new residents at his retirement community, McKenna Crossing, knowing personally how difficult moving to a new home could be. In return, the residents and staff showed him love and kindness as his mind and body slowly failed. A frugal man, who couldn’t bear buying fruit out of season, he was incredibly generous to those in need and donated to innumerable charities. He was an active member of Zion UMC at Lydia MN for over forty years. He loved singing in the choir, helping in the kitchen, and welcoming newcomers. Carrol was a gentle soul with a quick wit who will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Wendy; his parents; six brothers: Lloyd (Rosalee), Forrest (Norma), Maurice (Margaret), Richard, Ellard, and Dick (Paula); and one sister: MaryEllen (Cleston) Ramey.

He is survived by daughters: Robin (Brad) Holmgren of Portland, OR, Sue Amundson (David Largaespada) of Mounds View, Jill (Gerry) Winter of Burnsville; son: Jay (Terra) Amundson of Mt Vernon, IA; grandchildren: Joe (Kristen) Holmgren, Alyssa (Matt) Craigie, Aaron (Laura) Amundson, Sam, Anton, & Nathan Largaespada; and great-grandchildren: Fred Holmgren, Abigail & Elliot Amundson, and Lillian & Olin Carrol Craigie; and by two sisters-in-law: Pearl Amundson of Edina and Deanie Amundson of Idaho.

Due to Covid-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund at curealz.org.