Carol J. Pawelk

1958 - 2025

Carol J. Pawelk, 67, of Cologne passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 her residence.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial held Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church (323 N Reform St.) in Norwood Young America with Father Abraham Kochupurackal as Celebrant of the Mass. Visitation Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home (141 E 1st St.) in Waconia and one hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Interment in the church cemetery.

Carol Jean Pawelk was born March 21, 1958 in Waconia, MN, the daughter of Bernard and Mary Jane (Rademacher) Laumann. She attended St. Bernard's Catholic School in Cologne and graduated from Waconia High School. She continued her education at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, receiving her LPN. On May 13, 1978, Carol was united in marriage to Michael Pawelk at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Cologne.

Carol worked for 46 years at Friendship Manor in Shakopee where she always made time to be around residents and staff, who became like a second family for her. She started as a nursing assistant and while working, completed her Licensed Practical Nurse program. She worked for over 15 years as the Resident Care Coordinator wearing many hats from Infection and Quality Control, Staff and Safety, and Wound Care, which was her passion. Carol appreciated the friendships, laughter, and tears shared with her coworkers over the years at both work and social gatherings.

After retiring in January 2022, she loved visiting her sisters at the cabin, watching her grandson play at her house, and playing card and board games with family and friends. Carol cherished the holidays with her family, especially Christmas, where she seemed to always challenge Santa Claus himself for most gifts given. In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her Hosta garden, watching birds race squirrels to her feeders, and learning about World War II history. She never claimed to be a cook, but did master German Potato Salad, Chicken Drummy, and Rhubarb Torte recipes for her husband and children to enjoy. She was a wonderful mother and will be missed dearly by all.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Mary Jane Laumann.

Carol is survived by her loving family: husband Mike; children Carly (Jon) Erickson of Shakopee, Jared (Samantha) Pawelk of Waconia; grandson Jonah Pawelk; step-grandson Jacob Erickson; siblings Ralph (Carol) Laumann of Cologne, Jerome Laumann of Cologne, Irene (Peter) Kerber of Waconia, Jane (Jim) Hesse of Chaska, Barb (Gary) Johnson of Prior Lake; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Linda Moore of Big Lake, Jeff (Sandy) Pawelk of Monticello, David Pawelk of Howard Lake, Cindy Pawelk of Cologne; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Urn Bearer is Jared Pawelk.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.