Carol Mae Laier, age 87, of Taylors Falls, MN passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 peacefully at home with her family by her side. Carol was born September 19th, 1937 to Harold and Marian Anderson of Centuria, WI, the oldest of two children. Carol took on responsibilities beyond her years at age 13 when she began caring for her mother who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. Carol attended Deer Lake and Maple Grove country grade schools and graduated from Saint Croix Falls High School in 1955. After high school she attended the Saint Croix Falls Teachers College and received her teaching certification in 1957.

On June 22nd, 1957 she married George Laier of Cushing, WI. He preceded her in death in 2020. In 1960 George and Carol moved to Taylors Falls, MN where they started their family and bought and managed a grocery store for 8 years. Together they had four children. Carol was always supporting her kids’ activities and cheering them on. She dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her family while also helping make ends meet through various jobs. She held positions of retail clerk, hair stylist, seamstress, waitress, and later in her career she managed the Serenity Corner bookstore at Hazelden Betty Ford Center in Center City, MN.

Carol enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, hand stitched card making, sewing, games with the family, bunco and cards with her close friends, refinishing antique furniture and home remodeling. Together Carol and George have remodeled several houses including three in Wellton AZ, where they spent 18 winters. Carol also loved to sing and play the piano. She sang in the church choir and served in many church groups.

Carol always found joy in the simple things in life, from a cup of coffee with good friends to spending quality time with her family. Her kind soul and gentle nature made you want to be around her. Two of her favorite quotes demonstrate this. Matthew 5:16, “In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in Heaven.” Carol was steadfast in her faith and her light shined bright for all those who met her. In another of her favorite messages, Dolly Parton says “If you see someone without a smile, give 'em yours!”

She is survived by her children Sue Ann Laier, John Laier, Debbie Korsan, Tom (Valerie) Laier. Seven grandchildren Rhiannon (Aaron) Fiskraddatz, Meghan (Andy) Johnson, Michaela (Mark) Calhoun Christian, Thalia (Casey) Laier Kellems, Siennah Schueller (Martin), Logan and Lauren Laier. Seven great-grandchildren Owen, Sloan, Imogen, Althea, Ren, Frances, Esme and grandpuppies Indy and Ollie. She was preceded in death by her parents, sibling Jerry Anderson and son-in-law Butch Korsan.

Carol will be loved and dearly missed by her family and friends.

A special thanks to the staff and residents at The Lodge of Taylors Falls and the St. Croix Hospice team for their wonderful loving care.

A Memorial Service will be held at Joy Lutheran Church in Centuria, WI Saturday, March 8th, 2025. Visitation at 10am, funeral service at 11am, with lunch to follow. Private family internment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made to Feed My Neighbor Pantry or Joy Lutheran Church of Centuria, WI, https://www.joylutheranwi.org/donate in honor of Carol.

Last Update: Feb 24, 2025 1:06 pm CST