Carole Lavonne Felstead, 85 of Rochester, died Friday, October 8, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary's Campus. Carole was born on April 7, 1936 in Mallard, Iowa to Edward and Helen (Doyle) Grethen. On January 31, 1959, she married Lyman Felstead at the Little Brown Church. They made their home in Rochester until 1969, when they moved their family to a hobby farm in Oronoco. There she raised her family along with many others through her in home day care. Lyman and Carole were both very active in the Bethany United Methodist Church where they were custodians for over 30 years.
Carole was a cowgirl at heart. She loved wearing her cowboy boots and horses. She enjoyed music and playing the harmonica. She also enjoyed vegetable gardening, canning, and collecting a variety of items such as dolls, kerosene lanterns, and other knick knacks.
Carole is survived by her three children, Catherine (Troy) Orsburne of Fayetteville, AR, Patricia Felstead of Rochester, David (Ruth) Felstead of Chatfield; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Dennis (JoAnn) Grethen and Eugene Grethen.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyman; parents; brothers, Dean, Norman, and Kenneth; and sister, Sonja.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service- St. Charles. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021 and 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service. Carole will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service- St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Carole and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
Sandy Cooper wrote on Oct 12, 2021:
"We are sorry that we will not be able to attend the visitation or service. Please know you are in our thoughts as you go through some difficult days. We have fond memories of Carole from Bethany Church. She was so dedicated to her job, caring for the church and blessings others. Felsteads were a living example as they attended almost every Sunday and often had a couple grandkids along. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Brian and Sandy Cooper"