Funeral services for Carol Reese will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland. Pastor Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Richland, from 4-8 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2015 and again one hour prior to the service Saturday at church. Interment will be in St. Olaf Cemetery near New Richland, Mn.
Carol Reese, age 59, of New Richland, loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, teacher, and friend, passed away in the presence and warmth of her family on Wednesday, March 4.
Born in Faribault, Mn as the second of six children on September 25, 1955 to Duane and Leona Ellingworth, Carol became a pillar of love and support to her family at a young age after the death of her father when she was 13. She married Jeff Reese in 1977 and eventually established roots in New Richland. She gave birth to four children and raised three. A dental assistant by trade, she left dentistry to open her own dance studio, which provided a creative outlet for her love of dance and youth and gave her the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on her community. Among numerous other endeavors she taught danceline, coached cheerleading, served as a nurse's aide in the school district, and worked at several fashion retailers in the area. She remained in her adopted community until her death.She is survived by her husband, Jeff; three children: Joy (Josh), Dustin (Amanda), Jacey (Toni); five siblings: Rick (Jan), Jill (Paul), Brian (Michelle), Kim, Duane Jr. (Candy); five grandchildren: Lilly, Asher, Aiden, Brynna, and Reese; mother-and father-in-law, Joyce and Theresa Reese; sisters-in-law, Janine Babcock (Bruce) and Dawn Halgren (Dale) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Carol is preceded in death by her mother, Leona Ellingworth; father, Duane Ellingworth; son, Cazzie; and sister-in-law Peggy Uecker.
Carol was devoted and independent, thoughtful and honest, but most of all she was loving, and her life centered around her family. Her love was boundless and was a constant reminder that the more love you give, the more you have to give. She will be dearly missed.