Carol E. (Place) Almquist

Carol E. (Place) Almquist, age 87 of Hastings, died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2020, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital following sudden medical complications. Carol Elaine, the daughter of Theodore “Ted” and Hazel (Kinneman) Place, was born on September 8, 1933, in Red Wing, and raised on her parents‘ farm near Hager City, WI. After graduating from Ellsworth High School, Carol was united in marriage to Gene F. Almquist on June 2, 1956, at the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, WI. They were blessed with seven children, suffering the heartbreak of losing one at birth. While still in high school, she began working as a secretary for Pierce County, then after marriage, as secretary to the president at Northwestern National Bank (Wells Fargo) in Hastings until the birth of their first child. Twenty years later, a recession and growing family led her back to working outside the home, first as a trusted CNA at Haven Homes (Augustana Care Center), then positions at the Hastings Inn and RGIS. Eventually, she helped open the Hastings Wal-Mart store, retiring with over 20 years of service. Carol had so many talents: she enjoyed music, playing the clarinet in high school band and the piano all her life; and kicking up her heels dancing, appearing as a square dancer on the KSTP-TV program “Sunset Valley Barn Dance” before she married. While dating Gene, she learned to roller skate, with her happy partner by her side. Carol was a talented homemaker, known for her cooking and baking, especially decorated cakes personalized for all extended family occasions. When the Northwestern National Bank, her previous employer, sponsored a cake decorating contest, she won first prize with her design replicating the three different bank buildings. She was also an accomplished seamstress, earning a blue ribbon in 4-H for her first project, a dress she sewed as a first grader. She continued to apply her skills, sewing countless costumes and uniforms for dance recitals and school activities, or reupholstering furniture and making drapes. She was the hair stylist for her daughters and mother, and as her parents aged, their medical coordinator. She coordinated the home front of an active household during the many years Gene was an over-the-road truck driver; he designated her the family “Cruise Director.” She also orchestrated the annual family Christmas picture, no mean feat with five girls and a boy to corral. As a young mother, Carol and other neighborhood moms began an at-home preschool for their young daughters. Working together, they rotated the curriculum between their homes. Later, she and dear, departed friend, Judy Borash were Girl Scout leaders for their daughters’ troop. The successful cookie selling scouts earned themselves a train trip to Winona. The family grew in a different way when Cathy studied French in high school. Carol and Gene opened their home to a French exchange student, Miss Frédérique Burracchini. An extraordinary relationship developed between the two families, both daughters spending summers with the respective families, attending family weddings in both countries, loving across an ocean - still. Throughout their lives, Gene and Carol enjoyed traveling, taking their growing family on road trips or simple family outings. Upon Gene’s retirement, after vacationing in Hawaii, they got their first of three RVs, and their journeys became more far-flung. From Alaska to Florida, Nova Scotia to Arizona, they explored the sites of Canada and the USA, stopping to see family and friends scattered throughout the country. Closer to home, they took their grandchildren on day trips, giving them a taste for exploring and adventure. Carol was a dedicated member at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Hastings, and especially loved to hear daughter Cathy sing at worship services. In addition, she made time to raise funds for many charities, the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, & American Heart Association to name a few. Carol faced many health crises throughout her life, including polio as a child, leaving a lasting impact to include Post-Polio Syndrome; endured two bouts of non-metastatic breast cancer, sometimes driving herself to chemotherapy; at least 20 other surgeries and procedures to repair and treat the physical challenges she refused to let define her. Carol smiled when she saw you, her eyes held a sparkle, she enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories. Her thoughtfulness was unbounded, reaching beyond her family to remember friends and extended family members on birthdays and special occasions. Her generous nature made every occasion replete with special food and treats, presents and extra touches lending simple elegance. She did all this while making her children feel loved without measure, encouraging their dreams, supporting their decisions, listening to their worries, comforting their pain, and celebrating their triumphs. Carol was a woman beyond compare. She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, husband, Gene; a son in infancy; son-in-law, Daniel Gable; sister, Marilyn Landry; nephew and godson, Dennis Landry; and by her brothers-in-law, Hugh Jelly and Bill Bach. Carol is survived by her children, Debbie Almquist, Kristi Gable, Janelle (Trygve) Behny - all in Hastings, Nancy (Brian) Daigle - Burnsville, Cathy (Tim) Renken - Tulsa, OK, and Eric Gene (Jessica Weappa) Almquist - Bainbridge Island, WA; eleven grandchildren, Sarah, Joshua (Savannah), Micah Greuel; Tyler (Brittany), Taylor, Tory (Whitney), Tanner Behny; Matthew, Katrina Daigle; Megan Almquist, and Samuel Renken; two bonus grandsons, Finn, Indigo Weappa; two great grandchildren, Gabriel and Aurora Greuel; siblings, Audrey Bach and Ted (Shirley) Place; brother-in-law, Don Landry, sisters-in-law June Jelley, Maye (Chuck) Curtis, Faye (Russ) Vermillion, and Ferne (Bert) Lessard; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Gordon Gathright officiating. Interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation Thursday 10/29 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and for one hour prior to the service on Friday, all at the funeral home. A reception will also be held at the funeral home following the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice in memory of Carol. The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Schill for being the best doctor for our Mom, his thoughtful care and encouragement will always be remembered; and Laurie Moeller for the support she provided at Carol’s home. Arrangements by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.