Carol Ann (Earl) Swanson age 79 of Walnut Grove, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Mayo Clinic – Mankato, after a seven week battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment is in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. A special thank you to the staff, nurses, and doctors at the Mankato Mayo Clinic Health System.

Carol Ann (Earl) Swanson was born November 12, 1946, to Newton and Laura (Duinn) Earl in Brookings, SD. She continued her education, earning a certificate in early childhood education. Carol married John V. Swanson on September 26, 1987, spending 24 wonderful years together before his passing in 2011. She held strong values in family and her community, volunteering with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant for decades. Carol was always willing to step up and help others and adored teaching children. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and Trinity Lutheran Church. Carol enjoyed truck driving for many reasons: the time she would spend with John, the sights they would see traveling, and owning their own business. Family and friends will remember Carol for her love of gardening, colorful flowers, and the many sewing projects she lovingly handcrafted.  

Carol is survived by her children: Duane Swanson of Walnut Grove, Tiffanie (Kurt) Krieger of Pennock, Diana Duncklee of Bemidji, James (Nanako) Ferrian of Japan, and Darlene Hansen of Duluth; grandchildren: Robert Swanson, Rebecca (Zachory Hollander) Swanson, Kevin (Cate) Krieger, Katie (Patrick) Sanders, Kayla & Brooklyn Perrizo, Elijia, Elizabeth, & Elaine Ferrian, Zachary & Mackenzie Verschelde, and Levi Hanson; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria (Marlin) Hadden; goddaughter, Tina Hansen; siblings-in-law: Eugene Swanson, Jillene (Eldon) Kathman, Richard (Faith) Swanson, and Ruth Ann (John) Thompson; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded by her parents; husband, John; stepdaughter, Teri Lynn; siblings: Newton Earl Jr., Leslie Earl; sister-in-law, Arlene Purdy; and her dog, Dolly, (aka Little Miss Ankle-biter).