Carolyn "Carol" Elaine (Aho) Karkianinen, 74, of Cromwell, MN passed away on January 9, 2026 at Aspirus St. Lukes in Duluth MN.

Carol was born to Hjalmer and Ellen Aho on January 15, 1951. She went to Grand Rapids High School She attended Grand Rapids High School and later married Duane Karkiainen in 1971. Carol devoted many years as a homemaker before beginning her working career as a Senior Friend worker and later with the St. Louis County garage. She concluded her career at Black Bear Casino, where she eventually retired.

Carol cherished spending summers camping with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come. She especially loved time spent with her grandchildren during their visits, which brought her great joy.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane Karkianinen; sister Evelyn (Dick) Webb; niece; Angela Aho; and a great-nephew, Robert Aho Jr.

Carol is survived by her children, Tammy (Matt) Rediske, Shawn (Jen) Karkiainen, and Bradley (Marianela) Karkiainen; grandchildren, Samantha (Jason) Isaacs, Chase Rediske, Luke Rediske, GloriaMae Karkiainen, Shelby and Jacob Karkiainen; great-grandchildren, Edward and Aleksandra Isaacs, Morgan and Callen Rediske, and Riley Rediske; brothers, Hjalmer Aho, Eugene (Sue) Aho, Wilfred (Coral) Aho, and Duane (Lindee) Aho; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Villa Vista Cardinal Court of Cromwell for the care Carol received.

A celebration of life will be held from 12:00 – 4:00 PM on Saturday, January 17th at Wawina Town Hall, 13432 County Road 25, Wawina, MN 55736. Interment will be in the spring at the Wawina Cemetery.