Carolyn Orpha Gunufson, 83, of Fertile, Minnesota, was called home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born to Obert and Clara (Svenby) Ystenes on May 9, 1941, the sixth of thirteen children. She was baptized and confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindahl, MN. She attended Hazel Hill Country School through 6th grade and graduated from Fertile High School in 1960.

During her high school years, Carolyn had several jobs including washing dishes at Sally's Cafe in Erskine, picking potatoes, and working as a nanny in Crookston and Milwaukee. After graduation, she spent a year working at an employment office in Minneapolis before moving to Fargo, where she worked as a nursing assistant at St. Luke's Hospital. After marrying Gerald, she moved to the Gunufson farm in Rindahl, where she devoted herself to raising their six children as a dedicated homemaker and farmwife.  Carolyn was a wonderful cook and baker.  She was renowned in the community for her scalloped potatoes, homemade bread, and baked goods. After the renovation of the barn into the Hillside Hayloft, a family and friends gathering place, Carolyn found that to be her "Happy Place".  She loved to help prepare the barn for events and gatherings.  She so enjoyed watching everyone having a good time and taking a spin out on the dance floor.

Carolyn had many interests that brought her joy. She loved music and had a beautiful voice. She sang at weddings, events, and competitions including being in a singing group called the "Polka Dots" with her sister Yvonne and friend Annice. She enjoyed writing poems and stories, baking, gardening, playing word games, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with family. She also cherished going for drives with Jerry and stopping at Dairy Queen or dining out. An active member of Faaberg Lutheran Church, she participated in many ladies' groups and served as a Brownies leader when her daughter LaRae was a Brownie.

She is survived by her husband Gerald of 63 years; Children, LaRae (Scott), Mark (Michelle), Dale, James (Shelly), Chad, Brian (Liz) and daughter-in-law Vicki; Grandchildren, Angela, Nathan (Keesha), Anthony (Brittney), Trista (Jake), Jered (Rachael), Jordan (Kelsi), Carissa (Tyler), and Braiden; Extended Grandchildren, Justen, Jeremy (Sarada), Vanessa, Chris, Nathan (Teresa), Miranda (Tyler), Erika and Garrett (Erin); Great-Grandchildren, Owen, Kai, Nolan, Cooper, Finley, Parker, Bodie, Ivy, Lucca, Lillia, River, Boone, Remy, Kirra, Dawson, Aubrey, and Bryson; Extended Great Grandchildren, Hunter, Forrest, Brooklyn, Quinn, Landan and Aubree; Siblings, Jean Krogstad, Doris DenHartigh, Eleanor Johnson, Yvonne (Duane) Erickson, Addie (Roger) Black, David Ystenes, John (Dianne) Ystenes, Mae (Kent) Bolstad, Milo (Peggy) Ystenes, and Grace (Reid) Hagen; Sisters-in-law, LaDonna Ystenes, Sharon Lenz and Emelet Messelt; Brother-in-law Wayne (Bertha); and numerous other family members.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Great-Grandson Beckette; Brother LuVerne Ystenes; Sister Beatrice Ystenes; Sisters-in-law, Katy Krogstad, and Sherry Ystenes; Brothers-in-law, Jim Krogstad, John Lenz, Ron Messelt, Vernon Rindahl, Ray Johnson, Cliff Krogstad, and Larry DenHartigh.

Funeral service will be on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 AM, at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindahl, MN. Visitation will be at 10 AM before the service at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN. Burial and lunch will follow the service.

Carolyn's memory will be cherished by all who knew her!

To purchase flowers, please call 4L Floral 701 388 0607.