Carol Marie Swanson

Carol Marie Swanson (née Gambeski), 84, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, in Woodbury, Minnesota. She is welcomed by her husband, Les, and her four siblings, with plenty of stories and laughter waiting for her.

Carol was born on December 23, 1941, in Superior, Wisconsin, to Stanley and Mary Gambeski. Growing up with four siblings in a modest home taught her the importance of family and how to make the best of what came her way.

As a young woman, Carol moved to California with her sisters and son, Bill. Together, they had adventures and made memories that became family stories for decades. She later returned to the Midwest after falling in love with Leslie "Les" Swanson. They married and settled in Dellwood, Minnesota. Throughout her life, Carol continued to enjoy traveling, especially trips to Maui.

Carol worked for many years at Red Owl and Jerry's, where she took pride in her strong work ethic, dependability, and the friendships she shared with her coworkers.

In retirement, Carol found what may have been her favorite job of all: Grandma. Grace and Andrew spent their days playing in the yard, picking apples, and using their imaginations in the place their mom had grown up. Grandma showered them with love and attention, and nobody ever left her house hungry. They usually went home with something extra.

Carol was feisty and generous with her time. Whether offering advice, lending a hand, or making sure someone had what they needed, she was always looking out for the people she loved.

Carol survived cancer and later became legally blind from macular degeneration, but she remained determined to remain independent. She continued living on her own and taking care of herself and others right up until the end. That included her two grand-dogs, Winnie and Willow, who visited Grandma every day. She loved their company, even when they were being little dzika koza. We'll never know how many treats those two managed to get from her!

Carol was the family's unofficial historian. A visit with Carol almost always included a story and plenty of laughter. Sometimes it was an old favorite, but just as often she'd surprise you with one you'd never heard before.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Lynn Weitzel (Paul), and grandchildren Grace and Andrew; her son, William Swanson (Lynne), and granddaughter Lise (Brandon); her step-granddaughter, Jordan Weitzel (Ryan Googins), and great-grandchildren Millie and Joni; her sisters-in-law, Diana Gambeski and Marlene Gambeski; her brother-in-law, Bob Sain; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie "Les" Swanson; her parents, Stanley and Mary Gambeski; her brothers, Stanley Gambeski Jr. and Richard Gambeski; her sisters, JoAnn Buchanan and Diane Sain; and her brother-in-law, Robert Buchanan.

Carol will be remembered for her strength, generosity, sense of humor, and love for her family. Grandma may no longer be here to tell the stories, but her family will keep telling them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be announced once arrangements are finalized.