1965
Carolyn
2024
Carolyn Wilding
January 21, 1965 — March 27, 2024
Carolyn Wilding was born January 21, 1965, in Buffalo, Minnesota, and passed away on March 27, 2024 in her new home state of Arizona.
Born Carolyn Frances Hesley to Frances Helen (Bernard) and Arnold Henry Hesley, she spent her formative years split between Elk River and Backus, MN where she met and started a family with Mark Crooker. In 1984, Carolyn’s new young family moved to Big Lake, where she and Mark raised their children.
After the last graduation, Carolyn followed her heart and sense of adventure to Hawaii, where she met and married Michael Wilding. Though as the saying goes, home is where the heart is. In 2010, Carolyn found her way back to Big Lake, where she eventually met the love of her life, Billy Kuehne. She and Billy loved finding adventure wherever they could…road trips on his motorcycle or in her convertible (their dogs preferred the convertible as they could go along). Carolyn loved to bake and cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends for dinner parties and holiday events. On sunny days, you could find her in one of two places, in her garden playing in the dirt or in her kayak on the river.
Carolyn’s entire life can be summarized by dedication to family. She was very active with her own children as scout leader and dance, gymnastics, and racing mom. She also enthusiastically took on the title of “second mom” to many of her kids’ friends. She was always happy to offer the extra seat at the dinner table, words of support or encouragement, or a hug to whomever needed it. She found her calling in life when she was given the title of Grandma and eventually the name “Ya-Ya”. Her grandchildren were the sun, the moon, and the stars of her life.
Preceded in death, are her mother Frances “Fran”, father Arnold “Ole”, brother Robin, and infant son, Keegan.
Leaving behind to cherish her memories, Carolyn is survived by her partner: Billy Kuehne. Children: Tara (Kev), Chaise (Krista), Candace. Stepchildren: Ben, Bethany (Daniel). Grandchildren: Cadence (17), Julien (15), Jamison (15), Bryson (14), June (5) and Ashton (4). Siblings Jim (Cindy), Pam (Brad), Kathy (Brian), many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Though she has departed this life, her memories will live on in those who loved her.
A celebration of her life will be held on June 1st from 2-5pm at:
The Friendly Buffalo – Banquet Hall
16722 198th Ave
Big Lake, MN 55309
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/
Born Carolyn Frances Hesley to Frances Helen (Bernard) and Arnold Henry Hesley, she spent her formative years split between Elk River and Backus, MN where she met and started a family with Mark Crooker. In 1984, Carolyn’s new young family moved to Big Lake, where she and Mark raised their children.
After the last graduation, Carolyn followed her heart and sense of adventure to Hawaii, where she met and married Michael Wilding. Though as the saying goes, home is where the heart is. In 2010, Carolyn found her way back to Big Lake, where she eventually met the love of her life, Billy Kuehne. She and Billy loved finding adventure wherever they could…road trips on his motorcycle or in her convertible (their dogs preferred the convertible as they could go along). Carolyn loved to bake and cook and enjoyed hosting family and friends for dinner parties and holiday events. On sunny days, you could find her in one of two places, in her garden playing in the dirt or in her kayak on the river.
Carolyn’s entire life can be summarized by dedication to family. She was very active with her own children as scout leader and dance, gymnastics, and racing mom. She also enthusiastically took on the title of “second mom” to many of her kids’ friends. She was always happy to offer the extra seat at the dinner table, words of support or encouragement, or a hug to whomever needed it. She found her calling in life when she was given the title of Grandma and eventually the name “Ya-Ya”. Her grandchildren were the sun, the moon, and the stars of her life.
Preceded in death, are her mother Frances “Fran”, father Arnold “Ole”, brother Robin, and infant son, Keegan.
Leaving behind to cherish her memories, Carolyn is survived by her partner: Billy Kuehne. Children: Tara (Kev), Chaise (Krista), Candace. Stepchildren: Ben, Bethany (Daniel). Grandchildren: Cadence (17), Julien (15), Jamison (15), Bryson (14), June (5) and Ashton (4). Siblings Jim (Cindy), Pam (Brad), Kathy (Brian), many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Though she has departed this life, her memories will live on in those who loved her.
A celebration of her life will be held on June 1st from 2-5pm at:
The Friendly Buffalo – Banquet Hall
16722 198th Ave
Big Lake, MN 55309
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carolyn Wilding, please visit our flower store.
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