Carol Lynn Smyrk

Carol Trumbo Smyrk, 95, died peacefully in her Rochester home on March 13,2026. She was born on December 4, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland to Charles and Elsie Trumbo. Carol grew up in Baltimore and attended Western High School and Towson University.

In 1951, she married Charles Smyrk, then a student at the University of Maryland. After graduation, Charlie took a job with IBM. Their early years together were nomadic, with four children being born in four different cities. An apparent lack of judgement about labor pains led to her youngest child being born at home in 1961.

In 1965, a final IBM relocation brought the family to Rochester, MN where Carol said "enough already" and she began to put down permanent roots.

She was very involved in the community and went on to serve in a variety of volunteer positions. She was on the boards for the Olmsted County Historical Society, the Friends of Mayowood, the Friends of the Library bookstore, and the YWCA when they merged with the YMCA. She was also a member of the 2006 Sesquicentennial Committee.

As a change of pace from volunteering, Carol and three close friends opened a retail shop in downtown Rochester. Located on First Avenue, Jancee sold pottery made by Peter Deneen, hand crafted jewelry and other products created by local artists. When the store closed after 13 years, Carol moved onto retail sales at the Val Webb Art Gallery. She also worked at the Reading Center for two years and was a member of PEO for many years.

As an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rochester, Carol was a Sunday school teacher and a deacon. Her faith did not undermine her belief in the value of exaggeration. Her father taught her that "if you're going to tell a story, make it good enough that people want to listen" and her great sense of humor led to long, entertaining stories!

In addition to work and volunteer activities Carol also enjoyed golf, bridge, bowling, gardening and travel. Married for 70 years, Charlie and Carol spent much of their free time traveling and in 1985 discovered Pass-a-Grille, Florida, where they vacationed with family every February for thirty-five years.

Carol continued her active lifestyle as long as she was able and particularly enjoyed water aerobics at the Rochester Athletic Club. Her "water group" continued to include Carol in their circle of friendship with weekly zoom "meetings" and bringing lunch to her home several times per year.

Above all else Carol loved being with and surrounded by her family. She refused to leave the family home because she said that no other location would have enough space for her dining room table. She was the glue that drew the family together around her table for every holiday and special occasion she could, most recently when 17 family members were able to come together to celebrate her 95th birthday in December.

In her own words "Carol's most outstanding contribution to the community and the world are her and Charlie's four children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren."

She was able to remain in her home until the time of her death with the constant support of her family, Season's Hospice, Home Instead, and her devoted household helper Jeannie Erath.

Carol is survived by her four children, Tom (Connie), Dave (Donna), Lynn (Mike) and Tim (Laura), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and by her brother.

In lieu of memorials, gather around a dining table and tell a good story. A glass of port is optional. A small family service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smyrk family.