Carol Jean (Olstad) Lange, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Carol was born October 29, 1939, in Lanesboro, Minnesota, to Howard and Gertrude (Lindelien) Olstad. She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1957. For a short time, Carol worked for an insurance office before she married Manford Lange in 1959. She then dedicated her life to being a full-time wife and mother.
Carol enjoyed her life thoroughly. Her biggest joys were times spent with her family and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She enjoyed playing cards with her many friends, going on bus trips with Rochelle, and time spent in the semi with Manford traveling across the country. Carol was an active member of the former St. Paul’s Big Spring Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minnesota, for many years. Carol was a big frog lover and was known for her extensive frog collection. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, especially her favorite player Justin Jefferson, and the Golden State Warriors. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and especially loved her annual lefse making day with family. Carol will be remembered for her immense kindness, warmth, smile and infectious laugh.
Carol and Manford have five children: Mark, Chris, Dino (Sheila), Rob (Angie), and Corey. She was blessed with nine grandchildren: Allisha (Jeremy), Amanda, Josh (Magi), Alyssa, Samantha (Matt), Sawyer, Whitney (Neal), Abby, and Joey; and 13 great-grandchildren: Makenzie, Lukas, Haylee, Noah, Levi, Caden, Isabella, Averee, Cora, Alex, Logan, Cameron, and Monroe.
Carol is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Manford; her five children, her brother-in-law Ed Raustad, sister-in-law Pat Olstad, her nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Curt Olstad, and sister Cheryl Raustad.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Granger, Minnesota (25879 CR-30, Harmony, MN), with visitation starting at 10 am. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at Big Spring Cemetery in Harmony, Minnesota, at a later date.
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