Carole D. Looman, age 93, of Watkins, died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Lake Union Church, rural South Haven with Pastor Tyler Menssen officiating. Burial followed at Lake Union Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Kimball and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, at the church.
Carole Dawn Norgren was born on June 16, 1931, in South Haven, Minnesota to Albert and Ellen (Erickson) Norgren. She grew up in South Haven and attended school in Annandale, graduating in 1949. On Jan. 7, 1950, Carole was united in marriage to Melvin “Buck” Looman at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Together, they made their home in the Kimball area, where they raised their three children.
Carole lived a life that embodied compassion, love, and service to others. She was known fondly as the “singing nurse,” passionately lifting the spirits of her patients at Paynesville Hospital, where she worked diligently as a nursing assistant. Her soothing voice brought comfort to many, especially those in their final hours of life. She had a remarkable ability to share warmth and solace through song, embodying the essence of kindness that characterized her every interaction.
Carole cherished the connections she made within her community and organizations. She was a member of the Kimball and Paynesville Saddle Clubs, as well as the Lake Union Covenant Women. Her life was enriched by her deep faith and commitment to her church, where she was a lifetime member and was the eldest member of the congregation. She found immense joy in everyday pleasures, like savoring a cup of boiling hot coffee or going out to share a meal with family and friends.
Carole’s legacy lives on through her loving family. Each of them carries forward the values of compassion, joy, and music that she instilled in their lives.
She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Nandra) Looman of Paynesville and Brad (Kerri) Looman of Kimball; six grandchildren, Corey Olmscheid, Dustin, Derek, Brandon, Preston and Logan Looman; 11 great-grandchildren, Scarlett and August Looman, Javan Olmscheid, Devean Donnay, Emma Olmscheid, Miles, Eli, Easton, Oakley, Waylan and Parker Looman; siblings, Joyce Waataja of Minneapolis, Shirley Waataja of Minnetonka, Marleigh Rumsey of Annandale, Sherry Bates of Green Isle, Diane Hess of Hutchinson, and Dellas Norgren of South Haven; nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ellen Norgren; husband, Buck; daughter, Connie Olmscheid; granddaughter, Deidra Looman; and brother, Harlan Norgren.
Carole’s grandchildren served as casket bearers. Pat Nelsen and Dawn Savat provided music for the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and service webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.