Carolyn L. Erkfitz

Carolyn L. Erkfitz, age 72, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully/suddenly on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Born January 4, 1953 in Pemberville, Ohio, Carolyn was the daughter of Scott & Marveline Richards. She married Frank D. Erkfitz on May 13, 1976 in Elkton, Michigan. He preceded her death on March 1, 2011. 

Carolyn graduated in the class of 1971 of North Huron Schools in Kinde, MI. She continued her education at Central Michigan University and graduated with a degree focused in social work in 1975. 

Mrs. Erkfitz was a small business owner & operator of an in-home daycare for over 20 years. After retiring from daycare, she worked part-time for Dayton's/Marshall Fields/Macy's for nearly a decade. Then, she made another career change and was employed part-time at the Avalon Tea Room in White Bear until its closure. She was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton for over thirty years.

She enjoyed being around people and held a cheerful demeanor. She was an active bowler at Flaherty's for the Monday woman's evening league for over 20 years. She enjoyed being with friends, holding a great conversation with a pot of tea or two. She had an excellent "green thumb", spending most of the short Minnesotan summers outside tending her gardens and chatting with neighbors. During the long Minnesotan winters she preferred to cook and bake for others, especially treats for her grandchildren.

She was particularly fond of her three grandchildren and fully enjoyed being a grandmother.

Survivors include her two children, Theresa Erkfitz (son-in-law Phillip Yang) of Shoreview and Thomas Erkfitz of Los Angeles, California; two siblings - one brother, Daniel Richards of Republic, Michigan; one sister, Bernice Richards of Elkton, Michigan; three grandchildren, Parker, Samantha and Olivia Yang. Also surviving are the many loving nieces and nephews from various parts of the United States. Along with countless friends who felt her generosity and kindness in every interaction in Carolyn's life.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three brothers, Edward, Paul and Jim Richards.

In remembrance, a gathering will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Dr, Mounds View, with a visitation at 2 PM and service at 3 PM, where we will honor Carolyn's enduring impact on our community and in our hearts. We welcome all who knew Carolyn to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of a woman who was loved deeply and will be missed by many.

A cremation was concluded as per her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations preferred to the family.

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