Carol Marie Meine

Carol Marie Meine, 82, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at home with her loving family by her side.

Carol was born on December 14, 1942, to William Patrick and Luella Mae (Connelly) Walsh. She was raised near Crookston, MN. Carol attended school at the Cathedral High School in Crookston and Graduated in 1961. Carol attended college at Professional Business Institute Hygienist and Administration Assistance, where she achieved her dental hygienist degree. She lived with a young family and was employed as their nanny.

At age 8, Carol met her future husband, Willard (Willie) Meine, when they both belonged to the NorthStar 4H club. Willie would tug on her pigtails to get her attention, and they grew to become lifelong friends. Carol and Willard married on August 10, 1963, Willie and Carol joined hands in marriage at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Crookston.

The young couple built their new life in Crookston. They moved out to a country home, NE of town "Down Below the Hill". In 1974 they moved to their established farm South of Crookston. After their children were in bed, you would find Carol, working alongside her husband, Willie, in the shop. Their welcoming home was a gathering place for many families and friends. All would gather for good food, conversations, and music.

Carol worked at St. Francis where she was needed, her favorite duties were working with the babies. In 1967, Carol decided to be a stay-at-home mom to care for her young children. In early 1970's Carol went with her husband to Yamaha School in Brainerd, MN and both received a degree.

In her home, Carol taught youth catechism for many years. She guided many children on their catholic faith journey. In addition, she taught the importance of respect and responsibility to the children and included the adults.

In 1987 Willie became ill, while caring for her husband and young children at home. In 1989 Carol worked at Sisters of St. Joseph's and the local Group Homes and retired from REM in 2012. She provided personal care for families needing help with their parents.

Sadly, Willie, her best friend and love of her life passed away in 1997.

Carol found love and life with her family. She was always fond of her flower garden, her horses, being a member of 1987 WMSTR annual thrashing event in Rollag, MN, being a member of the Catholic Daughters, and joined the Marshall County Sheriff's Posse in 2011. Carol went on many adventures with her family. She supported and attended many of her family's activities and events. Carol also was the largest supporter and biggest fan of the 4-H horse program and attended the annual MN Horse Expo in Minneapolis.

Loving family members include 7 daughters and 4 sons. Carrie Caputo of Red Lake Falls, Willard Meine Jr. of Crookston, DeAnna (Kenneth) Ritchie Kendallville IN, Tammy (Brenden) Wilde of TRF, Sara (Kevin) Bekkedahl of Grand Forks, ND, Richard (Karen) Meine, Crookston, Leonard (Bonnie) Meine of Mentor, and Jeannie Meine, Christine Meine, Angela (Mark) Neumann, Gearard Meine all of Crookston; 31 Grandchildren, 26 with 1 on the way Great Grandchildren. Siblings Jim Walsh Sr., George Hurt, Peggy and Bob Mantei, Jeannette Scherfenberg Patrick Walsh, Cathy Desrosier, Theresa Hagl, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Willard Duane Joseph Meine Sr. her parents William P. and Luella M. Walsh, siblings/in-laws William Walsh, Ella Hurt, Kal and Sue Walsh, and John Walsh, Terry Walsh, Linus Desrosier, John Hagl and nephew James Walsh Jr. Parent in laws Henry and Christine Meine, Helen and Cecile Swift, Elsworth and Carol Meine, Clara and Edward Klooz, Gladys and Ray Opperud, and Duane Meine, a daughter in law Lisa Meine, Grand Children Curtis Ritchie and Austin Schwede, and many nieces and nephews. May God Bless the Memory of Carol Marie Walsh Meine.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN.

VISITATION: Starting at 9:00 AM before the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN.

INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery, Crookston, MN