She worked as a Public Health Nurse in Utah and Professional Substance and Alcohol Abuse Counselor in Las Vegas before joining the faculty at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada as Associate Professor for Psychiatric Nursing. Carolyn married Dale Keller May 25, 1996. Her career culminated in her being named the National Project Manager for the jointNational Institute of Health and the Shriner Hospital initiative to develop programs, techniques and skills for parents who care for children with disabilities.
Carolyn was an avid reader, hiker, skier, golfer and adventurous traveler. As an accomplished Master Gardner, she loved spending time in her gardens creating arrangements of beauty for all to share. She was also accomplished in the world of cuisine being a wonderful cook who enjoyed fine dining. She was spontaneous and always up for any activity, often dropping what she was doing to enjoy a playful moment with her family and friends. Her presence was immediately known by those she encountered. Her infectious smile, generous heart, and zest for life will always brighten the lives of those who knew her. She was adored by her children.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 20 years, Dale; her children, Bryan (Ben) Salt Lake City, Angela Hart (daughter Alexis) Wheat Ridge, CO, Amy Bonfrisco (Louis), Manchester, WA, Erin Barbee(daughter Gracen Wren), Wilmington, NC, Dale Robert Keller (Samantha),Reno, NV, Benjamin Keller
(Michaela), Las Vegas, NV; her sister Mary Paukert of Grand Forks; brothers Terry (Judi) of Grand Forks and David (Amy Jo) Michigan, ND; niece Carrie Lingen (Gary) and son Mason, Minneapolis, MN and nephew Charlie, Grand Forks, ND. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband's parents.
A prayer service will be held November 2, 2016 at 1:00 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Interment will follow the service at Memorial Park North Cemetery.
Carolyn died at home on Oct.22 under the care of Hospice. There will be a small service next week with Dale and all 6 children (his & hers) & spouses attending - she will be interred in her parent's plot.
I am so very grateful that we all had such a wonderful time in June being together as we celebrated Newland's 50th anniv. Carolyn was so happy, felt good and her "old self" enjoying life.... I'm forever thankful for all the good memories!
Margaret Berg (Kline)
I'm so sorry to hear about Carolyn's passing. My memories of her go way back to our Belmont School days. May her family find peace and comfort in their many wonderful memories of her.
Carol Cramer (Runkle)
My very heartfelt prayers and sympathy goes to Carolyn's family and her many close friends. I have been very saddened by our loss of Carolyn, but have some very funny fond memories. Carolyn, Susan Johnson Hoover and I lived together in Jamestown during our psychiatric nursing rotation in 1966. Remember the blizzard of 1966, we only had a box of a few canned items and a couple of freezer items that Russ had delivered when leaving college. This must be when Carolyn developed her gourmet culinary skillls. She guided us in making something out of nothing. When you are not able to get out the door for 4 days with no other food.........what can I say. I was also accompanying Carolyn on one of her little adventures the first time my husband asked me on a date. She did enjoy life to its fullest. May God Bless all of her family and friends during this sad time.
Pamela Krueger (Fink)
I'm sending prayers of comfort for Carolyn's family and know she's with our Lord. May all your wonderful memories help comfort you at this sad time. Hugs, Pam
Sandra Swanson (Marsh)
My deepest sympathy to Carolyn's family.....Carolyn was a loving and caring gal that I respected and admired. My prayers are with her. Carolyn was always there for people.
Terry McCreary (Dobesh)
My heart goes out to Carolyn's family. As Margaret said memories go way back to Belmont grade school. Carolyn was always so full of life and so joyful. A great loss for all.
Judy Prosser (DeMers)
Carolyn, indeed, was a special and caring person and her death is a loss to us all. My memories go back to South Junior and Central high schools, our Federated Church youth group, and then going through the UND Nursing program together. It was always fun and often adventuress to be involved with Carolyn. My sincere sympathy goes to her family and all her friends.
Dorothy Monson (Patrick)
I met Carolyn in first grade, and we became close friends for life. She was a very dear person to me, and I will miss her deeply. She was one of the most positive people I know, and she enjoyed her life fully to the very end. We will all miss her smile, her enthusiasm, and her zest for living.
Kirk Porter
Another classmate joins the Angels!!! Carolyn will be missed by all. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Kirk Porter
Carol Sanford (Walker)
So saddened by Carolyns passing...such a sweet classmate....God bless her family...Carol Sanford Walker
Pamela Krueger (Fink)
Saddened to hear of Carolyn's passing, prayers of comfort for her family and friends. Hugs, Pam Krueger Fink