Carolyn Ann (Borgen) Bell, affectionately known as Kayno, passed away on July 23, 2024, at the age of 68 at her home in Lanesboro, Minn. She was born on April 24, 1956, in Lanesboro to Ernest and Julia Borgen.
Kayno graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1974 and soon after began a fulfilling career at Mayo Clinic. In the fall of 2006, she retired from the radiology department at Mayo to actively care for her husband Michael, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Golf and pool were the sports Kayno loved to play! Her pool team, nicknamed Group Therapy, played together over 40 years with dear friends Mary Zirbes, Lonna Solomonson and Shirley Larsen. They had so much fun traveling, and celebrating life together along with playing pool!!!
Kayno also enjoyed playing Whist, which was a family favorite card game! Games were played for bragging rights, no money exchanged! Watching Netflix series “Grace and Frankie,” and “Friends” in addition to many movies, were also a favorite past time.
Kayno enjoyed traveling to many places, impromptu ride to Colorado to see the mountains with Alyssa, vacations to many places in the states and especially her trip to Italy and Greece.
Carolyn was a long-time member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children Devon (Shannon) Haugen, Renee Bell and Jacob (Taryn) Bell; mother Julia Borgen, siblings Gwen Harmon, Kathryn (Gary) Wade and James (Shelly DeCosse) Borgen; grandchildren Makenzie, Keagen, Chloe, Leila, Mason and Essence; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael Bell, her father Ernest Borgen, sister Gail Peterson, and brothers in-law Thomas Peterson and Randy Harmon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Lanesboro American Legion Auxiliary to be used for outdoor space enhancements. Carolyn loved the outdoors!!
Kayno’s celebration of life will be held at the American Legion in Lanesboro on August 16, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. Please join us to share laughs and memories of our beloved Kayno.
Julie Scudiero says
Julia, I’m so so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. May God Bless her memory.
Jodi Gentilozzi says
What a lovely tribute to Carolyn.
I only saw her a few times over the last few years and last year she was instrumental in assisting my husband and I to find a month long lodging in Lanesboro last summer. She was thoughtful and giving. Not a surprise being one of Julia’s.
It was a sad day when we heard the news.
Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
May Carolyn (and she told me she liked her name and she encouraged me to call her Carolyn and I obliged) rest in peace and know that she will be missed and remembered fondly by many.
With love and a heavy heart, Jodi and Mike Gentilozzi
Rosa Bolton says
Oh Julia I am so so sorry. May your daughter rest in the hands of our lord. Peace and love to you and your family.
Jeff says
So many laughs and crazy experiences thru the years. Mary and I love you and miss you.
Patricia A. Hill says
She was such a fun person to be around. Julia my heart goes out to you and your family. What a loss of spirit.
Kymm Dessel says
My deepest sympathies, very sorry for your loss.