Carol N. Blake, 89, Long Prairie

December 13, 1926 - February 27, 2016

Memorial Services will be at 11 am, Monday, March 7, 2016 at Peace United Church, Long Prairie, Minnesota for Carol N. Blake, age 89, of Long Prairie who passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at CentraCare Health Systems – Long Prairie. Pastor Gary Taylor will officiate and burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Long Prairie. Family and friends may call from 6-8 pm Sunday at the Williams Dingmann Funeral Home – Stein Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Carol was born December 13, 1926 to Arthur and Garda (Anderson) Traver. She grew up in Detriot Lakes, MN and was the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Detriot Lakes High School in 1944. After High School, Carol worked at a bank in Detriot Lakes. On May 31, 1948 she married Keith Blake. After their marriage, Keith and Carol moved to Chicago where she worked as an administrative assistant to Walgreens Corporate. In 1951, they moved to Hawley, MN where her children Marcia and Greg were born. They moved to Long Prairie in 1954, and later had her children Kevin and Lisa. Carol was a stay at home mom until 1973 when she began working at the Long Prairie Hospital. Carol then transferred to the Nursing Home and worked as an administrative assistant. Carol worked at the Nursing Home until retiring in 1992.

Carol enjoyed antiquing, singing, directing the church choir, going to concerts, following the Long Prairie Marching Ambassadors Band, and watching her grandchildren play sports.

Carol is survived by her children: Marcia Blake (Jim Collins) of Chicago, Greg Blake of Osakis, Kevin (Deb) Blake of Long Prairie, and Lisa (Louie) Knudson of Apple Valley; four grandchildren: Brian (Jennifer) Collins, Sean (Andreia) Collins, Sarah Blake, and Kristen (David) Determan; two great-granddaughters: Alexandra and Aurelia.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Woodrow, Dwight, Wilbert, and Elliott; and sisters: Jean and Betty.

Carol will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Carol’s family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at the Long Prairie Nursing Home, specifically those in Rose Lane for their attentiveness and loving care, and Dr. Paul Van Gorp.