Carol Dorothy Vigeland, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at her home.
Born on February 27, 1938, in Springfield, Minnesota, Carol was the beloved daughter of Harry and Mabel (Christensen) Meyer.
Carol married Edward Schilling on December 20, 1958, and together they made their home in Milan, MN. After Edward's passing in 1969, Carol continued her journey with unwavering resilience and grace. On June 1, 1974, she married Dean Vigeland, and the couple built a loving home in Hayfield, MN.
With a heart for caregiving, Carol pursued her nursing degree at Rochester Community College, graduating in 1979. She served faithfully in the Mayo Clinic's Department of Obstetrics at Rochester Methodist Hospital, for 25 years. Her work touched the lives of countless families and brought comfort and care to mothers and newborns alike.
Outside of work, Carol found joy in quilting, Scandinavian needlework, and gardening. Her creative spirit and love of nature brought beauty into every space she touched. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and the Mayo Clinic, always giving her time and energy to help others in need. A lifelong dog lover, Carol's life was always enriched by the loyal companionship and joy that her neighborhood and grand-dogs brought her.
Above all, Carol treasured her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Dean Vigeland; her children Kari Ann (Schilling) Dessner (Harold), Kathryn Mary (Schilling) Laivell (John), and Erik Dean Vigeland (Michelle); and her grandchildren Mackenzie and Nicholas Carter, Jacob Mallwitz, and Karson and Kolby Vigeland. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Arlyn Vigeland (Phyllis) and Leo Schilling, sister-in-law Nancy Meyer, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Meyer, and first husband Ed Schilling.
Throughout her life, Carol embodied kindness, dedication, and quiet strength. Carol's warmth, "iron hand", gentle humor, and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
A celebration of Carol's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.
In honor of Carol, memorials may be made to the Rochester Ronald McDonald House.
Ranfranz and Vine is honored to be serving the Vigeland family, to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Bethel Lutheran Church
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Bethel Lutheran Church
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