Carol Virginia Naegeli

Carol Virginia Naegeli, 99 of Princeton MN, previously of Foley MN, Dunedin FL, and Duluth MN, passed away peacefully at Elim Nursing Home of Princeton MN. She was surrounded by her daughters and the loving staff who cared for her in her final year and a half.

Carol was born in Superior, WI in 1919 to Ansgar and Ruth (Borgen) Christiansen.  Carol married Otto Herbert Naegeli on February 25, 1942. They were married for 59 years and had five children.

Carol worked in her parents Christiansen's Variety store in Lakeside (Duluth), made radio crystals in WWII, and sold fabrics at Minnesota Fabrics until she and Herb (Otto) took an early retirement and enjoyed life to the fullest. They became snowbirds traveling back and forth to Florida and Minnesota every year, making stops along the way to visit family and friends. They traveled to many places, cruised to many islands often with family and dear friends. They also enjoyed fishing, bowling, bingo, and playing cards with family (She was always so lucky). Carol so enjoyed her numerous crafts and needleworks, making masterpieces to treasure forever. When Herb (Otto) passed away in 2001, Carol continued to stay busy at her home in Westwind Retirement Park in Dunedin FL. In 2009, Carol moved back to Minnesota to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Alan Kampa (Foley,MN). In her final years, dementia took hold of her otherwise healthy body. She was loved by her caretakers for her loving but feisty attitude.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents Ansgar and Ruth Christiansen, her husband Otto H. Naegeli, daughter Ruth Ann McGaffey, brother Allan Christiansen, sister Fern Bergren, daughter-in-law Eugenia M. Naegeli, son-in-law Homer E. Faulkner, nephews Keith and Steve Bergren.  Carol is survived by her children Herbert A. Naegeli (Sandra), Michael D. Naegeli, Linda C. Kampa (Allen), Beth C. Faulkner and son-in-law Joseph V. McGaffey. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held next month to honor her and celebrate what would have been her 100th year of life. Private interment will be held in Duluth in the near future.

Special thanks to Tiffany and Jane Neis of Whispering Willows Adult Day Service Program, and the staff of Elim Care & Rehab center for their superior love and care in Carol’s final years.