Carole Grafelman, age 74, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Oak Terrace Senior Living, in Jordan, MN.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 12:00 Noon, with a time of gathering from 10:30-11:45 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 South Marschall Road) in Shakopee, MN. Masks are required to be worn at all times. Pastor A. Paul Olson will preside. Carole will be laid to rest at the City of Bloomington Cemetery.

Gracing this world on June 3, 1946, in Minneapolis, MN, Carole Adele was born to Michael and Lillian (Elberg) Hetrey. She was the younger sister to Larry and Jan. As a young child, Carole grew fond of any living creature, dogs, rabbits, birds, it did not matter they always held a special place in her heart. Carole also learned the value of family. The Hetreys enjoyed time at their resort in Remer, MN, where she enjoyed fishing, boating, ping pong and most of all being with her family. Fond of music, Carole loved listening to music, especially Elvis Presley and even learned how to play the accordion. She was a graduate of Washburn High School.

In her mid-20’s, Carole dealt with the unexpected loss of her brother, Larry. Years later, the early passing of her mother too. But through all life’s trials and tribulations, it did not jade Carole’s view but made her stronger in her Christian faith. Life was enriched meeting and marrying Lee Herbert Grafelman. They married on August 15, 1970, in Des Moines, IA. Carole welcomed his two children, Glenn and Leslie with open arms. She and Lee proudly announced the birth of their daughter, Charlene. Carole was a wonderful mother. She attended all of Charlene’s sporting activities and school events. Carole also enjoyed the quiet times at home with Charlene playing many sports in the yard, cards and many board games. As a couple, Carole and Lee enjoyed going snowmobiling, attending car shows and camping with family and friends. They also liked participating in the Shriners.

For over 20 years, Carole cleaned homes, with her focus being a devoted wife, mother, and grandma. She loved her children, but it was Carole’s grandchildren that brought her the happiest of times. Carole took every advantage playing, cooking, and nurturing them all. The grandchildren were the light of her life! After the passing of Lee on December 28, 2006 and years later, Carole found great companionship with Bud Berg. They loved traveling, playing games and cards, fishing, listening to music and taking their chances at the casino. Bud passed one month before Carole.

Carole was an amazing caregiver to her family. She was so caring, selfless, and always willing to help others in need. Carole too was loving, kind, accepting and strong willed. Over the last 4 plus years, she lived a full and happy life being cared and loved by the staff at Oak Terrace Senior Living.

Carole will forever be missed and loved by her daughter, Charlene (Steve) Nemitz, grandchildren, Kaitlyn Nemitz, Lindsay Nemitz, Brady Nemitz, stepchildren, Glenn Grafelman (Anne Marie), Leslie Hargesheimer (Bob), step grandchildren, Jim (Tiffany) O’Neil, Karlynn O’Neil; 3 step great grandchildren; sister, Jan (Garry) Frits; other relatives and friends.

Greeting Carole home in Heaven is her husband, Lee; parents, Michael and Lillian Hetrey; brother, Larry Hetrey, and special friend, Bud Berg.

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