Carol Elaine Munkvold

Carol Elaine Munkvold, 85, of Marion, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on May 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Carol was born on March 28, 1940, in Viborg, South Dakota, to Carl and Elsie (Sivertson) Holsether. She grew up in the countryside and attended a small country primary school near Viborg. Later in life, she proudly earned her GED while living in Wasta, South Dakota—a milestone that meant a great deal to her.

On May 21, 1961, she married W. Ordell Munkvold. Together, they raised their two children, Michael and Denise, on a farm 10 ½ miles west of Viborg. Carol embraced rural life with grit and quiet strength, all while building a meaningful career in healthcare—a field she took great pride in.

Carol began her career as a medication aide at the State Hospital in Yankton, SD. Over the years, she worked as a CNA at Good Samaritan Society in Centerville and New Underwood, Pioneer Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home in Viborg—where she also assisted with minor surgical procedures—and later finished her career as a med aide at Evergreen Assisted Living, also in Viborg. Her compassionate care, strong work ethic, and sense of purpose earned the respect of both coworkers and patients alike.

After raising their children, Carol and Ordell moved to Wasta, South Dakota, where she continued her work in healthcare and he drove truck. Eventually, they returned to Viborg to be near their grandchildren, a role Carol embraced with her characteristic love and boisterous joy.

Carol enjoyed doing crafty things and had a talent for sewing. A skilled seamstress, she took pride in creating practical and beautiful items for her home and family. A very talented cake decorator, she designed beautiful wedding cakes in the Viborg Community. She was also a longtime member of the VFW Auxiliary in Yankton, showing her support for veterans and their families through years of quiet service. Her favorite past time in retired life was watching the game show channel (especially Price is Right) and spending time with her legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Though not especially devout, Carol had a strong sense of values and community. She wasn’t one for fanfare, but those who knew her appreciated her sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and the steady love she gave her family.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elsie Holsether; parents-in-law George and Marie Munkvold; her husband, Ordell Munkvold; her son, Michael Munkvold; her nephew, John Heirigs; her niece, Anne Jo Clark; and several beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her brother, Charles (Jonny) Holsether; her sister, Sheryl Heirigs; her sister-in-law, Pam Munkvold; her daughter, Denise Wyman; her grandchildren, Michelle (Adam) Stewart, Melissa (Dan) Schultz, Derek (Haley) Kosola, Larry Carrino, David (Jordin) Carrino, and Anna Munkvold; thirteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews AND great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association – South Dakota Chapter https://www.alz.org/search?form=FUNDHYMMBXU