Carol Pinn

1942 - 2026

Carol Lee (Carter) Pinn of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Culbertson, NE, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Carol was born February 15, 1942, on a farm near Elwood, NE, to Walter and Mathilda (tenBensel) Carter. She was baptized and confirmed at the Arapahoe Methodist Church in Arapahoe, NE, and was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson and later Asbury Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.

Gosper County Rural School is where Carol began her education. The family moved to Arapahoe when Carol was in fourth grade and she graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1960. Carol attended McCook Junior College in McCook, NE, for a one-year program. She then began working at the 1st National Bank of McCook where she held many positions until retiring in 2005. 1st National Bank customers and fellow employees became good friends over the years.

Carol married Orville H. Pinn of Culbertson on August 4, 1963, in Arapahoe. They were blessed with two children, Jon Lorence and Janel Ranae. While Jon and Janel were in school, Carol and Orville attended many activities, sporting events, and band concerts. They were always there to support their kids and all the Culbertson teams and organizations. Estes Park, CO, was a favorite vacation spot for the Pinn family and Carol always enjoyed the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Carol loved staying active, being in community and serving God by serving and encouraging others. She was a part of the Kirkus Bible Study, United Methodist Women’s Circle, Culbertson Birthday Group, Bank Luncheon Group, Roadrunners Extension Club, Women’s Club, FROG Program, Red Hatters Club, Parkinson’s Support Group, NeuroFit, and served as a board member for the South Dakota Parkinson’s Foundation. Carol also enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers. She was always eager to find a good garage sale and attending local auctions became a favorite retirement pastime.

In 2012, due to health issues, Carol and Orville moved to Sioux Falls to be near their son and closer to medical specialists. She spent the last 8 years living at Prince of Peace Assisted Living. She was an active resident, participating in all the activities that were available, playing cards with her friends, completing an amazing amount of puzzles, reading, singing hymns from her hymnal, and was always ready for bingo when it was offered. Carol made friends wherever she lived and worked, due to her friendly nature, caring attitude, kind heart, and sincere patience.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Orville in 2013; parents, Walter and Mathilda; sister, Jean Weatherwax; brothers, Donald and Galen; brother-in-law, Frank Weatherwax; sisters-in-law, Lori Carter and Marcella Carter.

She is survived by son, Jon and Heidi Pinn of Sioux Falls; daughter, Janel and Tim Hynek of Fairbury, NE; grandsons- Adam and Mady Pinn of Bellingham, WA; Daniel and Caitlyn Pinn, and great grandson, Caleb Pinn of Sioux Falls; granddaughters- Abigail Hynek and Katelin Hynek of Fairbury; brother- Rich and Lulu Mae Carter of McCook; sister- Bonnie and Meryl Johnson of Eden Prairie, MN; sister-in-law- Aiko Carter of Katy, TX; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Our family wishes to express sincere thanks to Carol’s care team including the CNA’s, nurses, doctors, therapists, activities staff, and support staff of Prince of Peace Retirement Community, Avera Neurology, Sanford Geriatrics, and Avera McKennan Hospital. We are also appreciative of the continuous outpouring of prayer and support from family, friends, and colleagues.

Above all we give thanks to God for the forgiveness, life, and salvation that are given to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!

In lieu of flowers, please consider designating memorials to ministries that have served her beloved grandchildren, Sioux Falls Lutheran School or 5 Star Bible Camp of Fairbury.

Funeral services will take place at Prince of Peace Chapel on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with a meal and fellowship to follow. A graveside prayer time will be determined at a later date.