Carol Waughtal

Carol Jean was born to Bertha and Oscar Johnson in 1937 in Bemidji MN, the 3rd child of 5. In her senior year she was elected class secretary and was named Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year.

After working as a governess in Minneapolis and attending airline school in Washington DC, in 1956 she moved to Anchorage AK, to marry her high school sweetheart, Leigh Waughtal, while he was stationed in the military. There she worked for an airline as a ticket agent.

When Leigh finished his military service, they moved back to Minnesota and a year later their first child, Susan, was born, followed by Elizabeth 2 years later. Four years after that, Rita was born. In 1966, they bought and moved to their permanent home north of Bemidji.

Carol volunteered with the figure skating clubs, PTA, taught Sunday School, and was a 4-H leader. She taught all 3 daughters to sew and carpooled them to skating and dance classes.

In 1972 the family expanded with the birth of their son, Lyle. Once he was in school, Carol became a Home Interiors representative, and later went to work for Bemidji Travel, ultimately purchasing the agency, owning it for over 15 years. She traveled the world with her husband, Lyle, her sisters and friends, exploring Norway, China, Egypt, Germany, and many other locations.

After Leigh developed Alzheimer’s, Carol took loving care of him for several years, along with managing their household. They were married for over 64 years. Leigh died in 2021, and Carol continued to live in the family home and maintain an independent lifestyle, spending time with her family and many friends, until she passed away on June 30th, 2026.

Carol will be remembered as a gracious host who loved to create beautiful table settings for gatherings of friends and family. She was beloved for her kind and generous nature.

Carol is survived by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and two of her sisters, Barbara Peterson and Joanne Dewhurst.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 501 Minnesota Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the memorial service following at 11:00 a.m.