Carol Kuhlman

Carol Kuhlman was born on December 23, 1928, in Ellsworth, Minnesota, to Henry and Bouwiena (DeBoer) Bruhn. She spent her childhood on her parents’ farm near Ellsworth and attended country school. In 1941, the family moved to a farm northeast of Magnolia, Minnesota. Carol graduated from Magnolia High School in 1946, and then worked as an operator at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Luverne, Minnesota. Carol was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in May 1950 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne.

Carol married Donald Kuhlman on June 11, 1950, at St. John Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, Carol and Donald moved to his parents’ farm west of Hardwick, where they put down their roots and made their life together for over 50 years. Carol loved life on the farm and raising their three children on the homestead. She knew how to work hard and yet have fun! She cherished relationships with her family, friends, and community members. Don preceded Carol in death on September 20, 2001. She continued to live on the farm until 2005 when she moved into Luverne.

On Friday, February 9, 2024, Carol died peacefully surrounded by her family at the Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 95 years, one month and 17 days.

Carol was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper, Minnesota, where she was involved with the Trinity Ladies Aid, Trinity Couples Club, Bible study, and the church choir. She was a charter member of the Quarry Lions Club in Jasper and volunteered with the Luverne Hospice program. She loved sports, especially watching Don and her boys play fastpitch softball, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was an avid Minnesota sports fan, cheering on the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers. Carol loved to travel, especially the many trips she took to Germany. She enjoyed doing embroidery work, fishing, bowling, and golfing. Carol was well-known for her outstanding cooking and baking skills. You couldn’t visit her without trying a cookie, bar, or piece of pie, followed by a game of cards. She entertained her many family and friends often by hosting card clubs and celebrating holidays. Carol will be remembered for her powerful positive attitude, her ability to find joy in everyday life, and her trademark laugh. She will always be our Sunshine and our Sweet Caroline.

Carol is lovingly remembered by her children, David (Judy) of Brookings, South Dakota, Donna (Kent) Johansen of New London, Minnesota, and Jerry (Pam) of Spicer, Minnesota; her German daughter, Kirsten (Andreas) Schultheis of Iowa City, Iowa; in addition to 11 grandchildren, their spouses, and 21 great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Evelyn Bruhn and Eunice Bartels, both of Luverne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; infant daughter, Julie; parents, Henry and Bouwiena; brother, Harm Bruhn; in-laws, Elmer and Ruth Ann Kuhlman, Elmer Bartels, Lois and LeRoy Lorenzen; and great-granddaughter, Kimber Siebenahler. 

Please return as Carol's LifeTribute will appear when it becomes available. Also, a recording of Carol's service will be available following the service.