Carol Wirtz Valentine

Carol Wirtz, "Gumper" Valentine, age 91, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away from natural causes on July 2, 2024. Survived by her children, Sara Valentine, Elizabeth Valentine (Mitchell Madson, PhD) and Richard Valentine (Ka Valentine); and beloved grandchildren, Eve Sussman, PhD, LP (Ona Sussman), Ian Valentine (Frances Waite), Ashley Lee, Sam Valentine, Nickolas Lee, Jack Valentine, Bella Valentine, Jee Seon Valentine, Maddie Valentine and Bobby Valentine.
Preceded in death by her husband Richard "Dick" Valentine, and married for 52 years, Carol grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin in a family of 8 children, born very close to Christmas and nick-named "Christmas Carol". Carol's career as a young woman was in library sciences. A happily single gal, she enjoyed countless girls' trips where she drank martinis, smoked cigarettes with her pals, and back home in Wisconsin even managed to enjoy some cocktails with many of the original Green Bay Packers of the 1950s and 1960s. She eventually met her future husband Richard "Dick" on a blind date and married at age 30. Daughter Sara was born in Green Bay, WI and soon thereafter, the couple happily made their way West to join her oldest sister, Clarice, in sunny Southern California where both Elizabeth and Richard were born. Carol enjoyed the sunny weather, beautiful ocean, raising her young family and visiting her sister and her family. In 1976, the Valentine family moved back to the Midwest to Minnesota which was a stark change and took some time to adjust to, but presented an opportunity for Carol to reboot her library career of which she was very proud. A lifelong reader, she loved giving thoughtful book recommendations and making special "Valentine's Day cookies" for her workmates every year. While her husband Dick retired at an early age, Carol continued doing the job she loved and even after retirement worked on call. Eventually, she "really retired" and she and Dick purchased a small camper, "the scamp", where they traveled around the country in summer months and snowbirded in the Southwest for winters.
Carol was an avid sports enthusiast (Wisconsin teams only), particularly for her beloved Green Bay Packers, often retelling stories of attending Packer games as a young woman in high heels and dresses where she and her girlfriends froze in the metal bleachers. Carol's enthusiasm for sports was imprinted on her children and grandchildren, who excitedly played along with her in various sports pools. She often won or was near the top of the bracket. Her most recent and final win was this past year's NFL season, which she was enormously proud of, being the most senior member of the pool (and now emeritus status).
Carol was a thrifty person, loved a good deal and, as she would proudly say, was a recycler long before anyone else; reusing, reducing, recycling (and re-gifting). She loved to shop but was typically only a window-shopper, her shopping motto being "need not greed", wearing outfits until they were worn out and became "good scrubbing clothes", saving dresses from the 1970s to wear when they'd be "back in style". Menards was her favorite store where she purchased her groceries and loved the "11% rebate" days.
Carol loved her annual voyage to Green Bay to visit her old stomping grounds, reminiscing fondly at Lambeau Field, as well as seeing her family members and relaxing on the beach in Algoma.
Carol adored her grandchildren, and strived to stay connected to them so she "didn't get old". Known and loved by them as "Gumper", she hosted sleepovers with the kids, enjoyed brandy old fashioneds with the older grandkids, and was roommates with her granddaughter Bella for her 8th grade year. She triumphantly got her ears pierced in her 70s so she could wear all the earrings her husband lovingly created for her. Carol made a great apple pie which will be impossible to replicate, and a simple but wonderful "pot roast" for her kids and grandkids. On her own, she was quite the minimalist cook, proudly making a "one-egg omelet, no cheese" for dinner. She loved getting take out and Sara's NY Times "experiment on mom meals" which she lovingly called "Sunday Supper with Sara".
Carol will be lovingly remembered as a strong, independent, fun-loving, tiny and tender being, who loved to hold your hand. She was a very open-minded and accepting person, engaging and learning from all she met, trying any food or drink (in small quantities) and would excitedly join on any trip and adventure. She was an excellent emailer and texter (no punctuation necessary). She continued a fully independent life, driving around and maintaining her beloved home until the age of 91. While Carol flourished in her twilight years surrounded by family, she missed her husband terribly, and after a 10-year separation, they will happily enjoy Valentine's Day together once again.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 3-5pm at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel (W. 50th St. and Vernon Ave. at Hwy 100). Private interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Second Harvest Heartland (https://www.2harvest.org/) or donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996