Carroll Ann Kukowski, 83 was born on July 15, 1941 in Southampton, N.Y. to Charles and Elmira (Lagasse) McGarrathan. She graduated from Rolla High School in Rolla, North Dakota, where her family had moved. She studied business and education at Minot State Teachers College. Carroll met and married her husband of 63 years, Adolph Kukowski, on December 30, 1961 in Rolla, ND. The couple had 5 children; and eventually many grandchildren and great grandchildren that brought so much joy to her life.
Carroll and Adolph were married and moved to Fort Polk, Louisiana when Adolph got called back to the army. After he was honorably discharged they moved to Fridley, MN. Carroll became involved with the Jaycees, (historically the Mrs. Jaycees). She was involved in dozens of programs, one being the coordinator for the Fridley vision and auditory pre-school screening, which was adopted by the State of Minnesota as standard. The Jaycees honored her as one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 1976. She then got involved with politics and became the first woman on the Fridley City Council, as the Council Member at Large.
Carroll and Adolph moved north to Deerwood and purchased Bay Lake Marine, where they owned and operated their family business until 2004. This was not enough for this ambitious woman - she had more to offer her community. Carroll worked to develop partnerships and begin the Aitkin County Hospice, and was influential around the work of serving older adults in her community.
Carroll also initiated the organization of the Bay Lake Area Lioness. She was the first charter president, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. When there were no longer Lioness chapters, she became a charter member of the Deerwood Lions Club, earning her the Helen Keller Award. She went on to become the 5M9 Lions District Governor.
The next chapter of Carroll's career brought her to the Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce where she served for 16 years as the Executive Director. Some of her proud accomplishments during her tenure included beginning the World Famous Fish House Parade, growing the membership from 60 members to over 200. She won a prestigious Heritage Award for her work at the Chamber in 1989.
Carroll was diagnosed with Cancer and her career took a turn towards working with the
American Cancer Society's
Relay For Life. This work meant a lot to her. She had the unique ability to inspire people to volunteer.
A book could be written about Carroll's professional accomplishments in her long career. Some of the highlights that she was particularly proud of are shared here.
In her retirement, Carroll enjoyed sitting in the sun on the deck, spending time with her cats, baking cookies for the grand kids and soldiers overseas, reading murder mysteries (and later in life watching them). Her family was so important to her. To us, she was the smartest
person. We went to her when we needed help with a paper, resume, job application or coming up with a creative idea.
Through her life, Carroll had a smile that lit up the room. On July 11, 2025, Carroll died peacefully in her sleep, after having been surrounded by her family. Carroll is survived by her husband, Adolph; five kids, Barry (Jean) Kukowski of Clearwater, Scott Kukowski of Austin, TX, Becky (Randy) King of Detroit Lakes, Corey Kukowski of San Francisco, CA and Todd (Ann) Kukowski of Aitkin; nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and lifelong friend Carol Wiherski. Preceding Carroll in death are her parents; and one brother, John McGarrahan.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin. A Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. followed by a visitation until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be at the Bay Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. Gifts can be given to
Alzheimer's Association or
American Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers.
Published by Aitkin Age on Jul. 25, 2025.