Carol Struck

Carol Struck, age 98, died December 18, 2025 in Woodbury, MN. She was born Nov. 2, 1927 in Kenmare, ND, the youngest of 4 children, to Anna Maria (Dahl) and Bennie Johnson. When she was still very young, the family moved to Montana. They lived in Hogeland, Turner and Havre, MT. They returned to Turner where she graduated high school in 1944. It was there that Carol graduated high school. She then went to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.

Carol became a school teacher, teaching business classes n Rudyard, MT. It was there that she met her husband, George Struck. The couple moved to Havre and eventually to the Turner, MT farm where they settled. There they raised their three children, Susan, Karen and Michael. Her children have memories of her love expressed in delicious meals, hours at their school events, birthday parties and more. She would time her baking so her kids, after their school bus ride, entered a home with the wonderfully cozy smell of her fresh bread, cookies, cinnamon rolls and more.

Carol was involved in Turner with her friends, ladies groups and school events. She worked for a time as the secretary at the school. She was also active at Turner American Lutheran Church where she and George provided an early life of Christian Faith for their children.

After George's death in 1978, Carol moved to Havre where she worked at a bank. She then moved to Great Falls. During those years she enjoyed several overseas trips with friends. She also volunteered in the gift shop at Columbus Hospital.

Carol later married Joe DeSaye. They spent their time, for many years, with summers in Great Falls and winters in Mesa, Arizona.

One of Carol's remarkable traits was her ability to make and maintain friendships. Even when she couldn't travel, she made the effort to call her friends and many family members. Many were blessed with her generosity of time, receiving a phone call, card or visit. She was also very generous with her resources when she knew someone was in need.

After Joe DeSaye died in 2008, Carol continued living between Great Falls, MT and Mesa, AZ for several years. Eventually, she moved to an apartment in Woodbury, MN to be closer to her daughter, Susan, and family. Even in those later years she impressed her family with her ability to adapt to change and make new friends. She was able to live independently until recently, and she enjoyed visits from friends and family.

Besides her husbands, George Struck and Joe DeSaye, Carol was preceeded in death by her parents, Anna Maria and Bennie Johnson, as well as a granddaughter, Jennifer Powell. Others who preceeded her in death are her siblings, Eleanor Bickel, Birnell Johnson and Mildred Calahan, as well as many other friends and relatives. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Susan and Joseph Peisert, Karen and Gregg Atkinson, Michael and Susan Struck. She also will be missed by her treasured grandchildren and their spouses, Maria and Eric Wimmer, Erin Peisert, Adam and Rachel Peisert, Benjamin Struck and Sara Selitsky, Allison and Kyle Roberts, and Samuel Struck. Additionally, she leaves behind 8 beloved great grandchildren as well as many cherished nieces and nephews and friends.

Services will be at Lutheran Church of Peace in Maplewood, MN at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Havre, MT with a graveside service at a later date.