Carolyn Zobel

Carolyn L. Zobel August 13, 1930 - April 9, 2026 Carolyn L. Zobel, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Carolyn was born on August 13, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri. During her childhood, she lived in Evanston and Riverside, Illinois; Seattle, Washington; Piedmont, California; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in Riverside, Illinois, where she formed lifelong friendships. Carolyn went on to attend MacMurray College. In 1952, she continued her education at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, where she was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority. A spring break trip to Havana, Cuba, in 1953 was just one of many adventurous journeys she enjoyed throughout her life. On November 20, 1953, Carolyn married the love of her life, Robert H. Zobel. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Mabelle Huckstep; her son, Craig; and her husband, Bob. She is survived by her sons, Jim Zobel; and Bill (Cathy) Zobel; her daughter, Cindy (Rolf) Kuhn; and her daughter-in-law, Nancy Zobel. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Katie Zobel, Alex, Jack, Ben Zobel, Lauren (Scott) Weske, Grace (Andrew) Corrado, Rachel and Natalie Kuhn, Shannon Mackenlo, Lyndsey Carlson (Shawn Gillespie), and Nick (McKenzie) Zobel; as well as many great-grandchildren. Later in life, Carolyn embraced adventure. She enjoyed many adventures, including: Jeep trail riding in Ouray, Colorado; traveling through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy; exploring the East Coast in the fall; visiting the Canadian Rockies; and tent camping at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Her favorite job was at RSVP Stationers in Edina, Minnesota, where she worked for 20 years, including 13 years as store manager. Her coworkers there became lifelong friends. Carolyn was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a book author, seamstress, quilter, bridge player, painter, singer, and knitter. She created quilted vests and jackets under the name A Country Cozy by Carolyn. At age 85, she self-published a children's book, Sam's Wind Worries, a bedtime story for dogs. She was also an active member of several bridge groups. A dedicated volunteer, Carolyn served at Mt. Olivet Church as a caregiver and helped deliver bread and bakery items to low-income families. She also served as Vice President of the Bloomington Women's Federated Club and was a fun and devoted Den Mother for Cub Scout Troop 104, leading engaging projects and activities. Carolyn loved the outdoors and found joy in nature. She cherished time at the family cabin in Wisconsin, walking in the woods, canoeing on the lake, and reading on the dock. She also enjoyed biking and walking around Lake Harriet, visiting Canterbury Downs, gardening, cross-country skiing, and spending time at the beach in California with family. Carolyn enjoyed bringing her family together, especially during the holidays. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Washburn-McReavy Dawn Valley Chapel and Memorial Park, 9940 Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438. A picnic will follow at Hyland Park Reserve - Sunnyside Shelter B, 10145 Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438. In honor of her son, Craig, memorials may be sent to the International Myeloma Foundation at www.myeloma.org.