Carol J. Larsen

Carol J. (Hasler) Larsen, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, died peacefully at the age of 83 on May 23, 2025. She was surrounded by loving family at the time of her passing.
Born in Blackduck, Minnesota to George and Mable Hasler, Carol was raised in Edgeley, North Dakota, the eldest of five siblings.
Carol created and lived a life rooted in love, generosity, and joy. After studies at Jamestown College, she met and married Paul Larsen and they raised two children in Princeton, Minnesota. They enjoyed all of the things a small, closely knit community had to offer - school concerts and sports, church, marching band trips, great neighbors and enduring friendships. In Princeton, Carol began a near daily walking routine that she continued almost to the end of her life. These walks often included the family dog(s) and were an essential and cherished activity for Carol.
After her children graduated from college, Carol returned to her education, earning her Master's degree in Counseling from St. Cloud State University. Her work as a high school counselor was enormously satisfying to her. She saw potential in everyone and did her best to create a safe space for those in need. Her contributions to the many students she advised during her career made her family immensely proud.
In retirement, she and Paul found contentment with family and friends beneath the awesome skies of New Mexico. When they returned to Minnesota due to Paul's illness, she continued to engage her many interests. These included writing fiction and poetry, painting with watercolors, and creating custom designed greeting cards which she loved to share. She had endless creative energy and a positive and joyful attitude.
After Paul's passing, Carol moved to Salem, Oregon and lived in a house and neighborhood she adored. The neighbors adored Carol, too! Her daily walks with beloved pets, including Olive the Pug and Lady the rescued "coyote", were always an opportunity to share a laugh with those she encountered. During her 10+ years in Oregon, Carol continued to create beautiful greeting cards, practice meditation, regularly visit the local animal shelter, and provide guidance and advice to younger people who needed a helping hand.
Carol was a spiritual seeker and understood the beauty of the present moment. A daily meditator and student of Qi Gong, she honored the balance of body, mind, and spirit. Her life was an expression of compassion, strength and generosity. Her favorite phrase, especially in her later years, was "PEACE - PEACE in all things". Her children remember not only her incredible love for them, but also her immense empathy for others. She demonstrated how to have an open mind and appreciate life's endless beauty, even in trying circumstances.
Carol is survived by her children, Susanne and Jonathan, her sisters Nancy and Barb, brother Dennis, and many extended family members and lovely friends.
Carol believed that dying was not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. We miss her physical presence, but her spirit remains vibrant and close. A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Carol's memory to your local animal shelter would be greatly appreciated.