Carlene Ann Crnkovich

May 23, 1950 – May 20, 2025

Carlene Ann Crnkovich passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Surprise, Arizona, just days before her 75th birthday. Born on May 23, 1950, in Bozeman, Montana, Carlene was the beloved daughter of Bob and Lois Gemmell and the cherished older sister to Bobby and Patty.

A proud graduate of Montana State University, Carlene earned her B.A. in Mathematics and Chemistry, followed by a Master’s degree in Counseling. She began her career as a teacher, sharing her love of math with students in Great Falls, Montana, and later at North High in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bob and Carlene married in 1973, and following the completion of their Master’s degrees at MSU, they moved to Minnesota, where they built a life together in St. Paul, raising their two children, Marissa and Nick. New neighbors turned to lifelong friendships (and many parties!) and she cherished the memories of her neighborhood and new “extended family” in Vadnais Heights.

Carlene went on to build a distinguished career in banking, rising to the position of Senior Vice President of Foreign Exchange at U.S. Bank. She traveled to more than 30 countries throughout her career, not only managing global finance but also leading educational programs in currency trading across Europe and the Middle East. She served as Chairwoman of the ACI Forex group, playing a key role in global financial education. In 2005, she was honored as one of Minnesota’s Top Women in Finance—a testament to her leadership, innovation, and impact in the industry.

After retiring in 2007 with her husband Bob, Carlene embraced a vibrant and fulfilling next chapter. They built a home in Sun City Festival in Buckeye, Arizona, where she played golf and built meaningful friendships at Copper Canyon Golf Club. Her brother Bobby soon followed living just a golf cart ride away from his big sister. Carlene and Bob’s Summers were spent in Whitefish, Montana, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and the natural beauty she loved.

Carlene was a woman of extraordinary creativity and passion. In retirement, she turned her talents to painting—creating stunning, personal works of art for her home, her children, and her grandchildren’s nurseries. Her artistic spirit and joyful energy brought warmth to every space she touched.

Known for her fearless heart and radiant kindness, Carlene made deep and lasting connections with everyone she met. She loved to entertain and host, always creating space for laughter, love, and meaningful conversation.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Above all, she cherished her family—her husband of 52 years, Bob, her children Marissa and Nick, their spouses Zach and Sara, and her five grandchildren Avery, Willa, & Maren (Marissa & Zach) and Camden & Charlotte (Nick & Sara), who brought her endless joy.

Carlene greeted each day with gratitude, often saying with a smile, “It’s just another day in paradise.” She lived her life guided by compassion and optimism. One of her favorite quotes by the Dalai Lama captures her spirit: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

She is survived by her Husband Bob, Brother Robert Gemmell, Children Marissa (Zach) and Nick (Sara), and her beloved grandchildren Avery (10), Maren & Willa (7), Camden (5), and Charlotte (2)

Carlene leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, strength, generosity, and love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.