Obituary of Carroll M Pence

It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Carroll Pence on May 12, 2025 at the age of 83. She has been a resident of the Estates Nursing Home in Rush City since September of 2022. Prior to that Carroll spent a year in Rusheba Assisted Living in their memory care unit. Alzheimer’s ultimately caused her death.

She was a loving mother, amazing grandmother, devoted sister, caring aunt, and a friend to all. Carroll’s warm personality attracted people to her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Carroll was born May 8, 1942 in St. Paul, MN to William and Burnett Marie (Evans) Grace. The family, including younger sister Susanne, younger sister Marie, and younger brother William Jr, moved to North Branch in 1956. She graduated from North Branch High School in 1960.

Carroll married Bruce Pence on December 28, 1963. During their 47 years of marriage, they had two children: Anthony Joseph and James Michael. During their married years, they lived in many locations due to Bruce’s job transfers. Their last move was to a townhouse in Lindstrom, MN in Chisago County, where they spent their retirement years.

Carroll’s working career included many different office administrative positions and she also sold real estate. In her spare time, she loved doing crafts, playing games and all kinds of card games including 500 and bridge. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Carroll and Bruce loved to relax and get away. They owned a lake cabin in Siren, WI for several years, sold that, and purchased a winter home in Mesa, AZ.

Carroll was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, in July 2011, her parents William, SR in 1988, Burnett Marie in 1995, brother-in-law John Schneider in Feb 2017, and also, father and mother-in-law, Charles and Olga Pence. She is survived by her children, Anthony (Kelly) Pence of Hopkins, MN and James Pence of Kalamazoo, MI, her four grandchildren, Casey, Mitch, and Claire Pence, and Gabrielle Pence, sister Susanne Schneider, sister Marie (Leland) Johnson, brother William Jr (Kathrine) Grace, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carroll was a devoted member of the Catholic faith community and attended church regularly wherever they lived in the U.S. In lieu of memorials, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Carroll.

Graveside service and interment will take place at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in North Branch, MN on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 am for family and friends. No organized gathering planned afterward.