Carol Penfield

Celebrating the Life of Carol Jean Penfield

March 14, 1941 – April 2, 2026

Staples, MN — Carol Jean Penfield, age 85, passed away at her home in Staples on April 2, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet service, and a life beautifully and faithfully lived.

Carol was born on March 14, 1941, in Steele, North Dakota, and was raised with the enduring values of the Dakotas—quiet strength, humility, and a deep love for family. She graduated high school from Hettinger in 1959 and from Valley City State Teachers College in 1964. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Roland David Penfield, in Hettinger, North Dakota. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage, building a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and simple joys.

A woman of deep and unwavering Christian faith, Carol lived as a reflection of her beliefs. She lived out the value of "God’s work, our hands." Carol didn't just hear the word on Sundays; she spent her younger years putting it into practice through small, intentional acts of love. Her trust in the Lord guided her through every season of life, sustaining her with grace and resilience.

For nearly 30 years, she dedicated herself to the children of the Staples-Motley School District through the Title I reading program. Carol’s gentle patience and encouragement helped students discover confidence and a love of learning. She viewed her work as a quiet ministry, touching countless lives in meaningful ways.

Carol’s generous heart was evident in all she did. She found joy in caring for others, especially in her kitchen, where her warm hospitality made everyone feel welcome and loved. She cherished time spent outdoors—tending her beautiful gardens and flowers, visiting with dear friends, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the family cabin on Rush Lake. She also had a deep love for her dogs, who were faithful companions throughout her life. Carol and Rollie treasured their winters in Texas as “snowbirds,” creating many happy memories together.

Carol’s memory will be lovingly carried on by her husband, Roland; her children, Timothy (Jennifer) Penfield, Jeffrey Penfield, and Sarah (Darren) Larson; and her beloved grandchildren, Drew and Abbigail, whose lives she followed with great pride and joy. She is also survived by her sister, Janelle Christmann, and her brother, Tracy (Mary) Leetun.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Therese Leetun, and her brother, Lt. Col. Darel Leetun, a pilot who was killed in service during the Vietnam War. In accordance with her faith, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with them.

Carol might be remembered as something like a pecan—steady and resilient on the outside, yet gentle, warm, and tender at heart. Those who truly knew her were blessed to experience the quiet sweetness within, a kindness that will continue to live on in all who loved her.

Service Information

• Visitation: Thursday, April 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brenny Funeral Home in Staples, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

• Funeral Service: Friday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.