---

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Carol J. Milton on November 11, 2024. She was born in the spring of 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to parents Rose and Elmer Ketchel. Carol attended St. Bernard’s elementary school, and graduated from Washington High School in 1955. As an adult, Carol attended beauty school, but traded in her beauty styling and cutting tools when she became a mother. She was a very athletic minded child and young woman, ahead of her time. Throughout her late teens, early 20’s she enjoyed racing and fixing cars and playing women’s fast pitch softball. In 1960 Carol married Jim Milton and the couple had three children together. In 1965 Carol, Jim and family purchased their dream hobby farm in the St Croix River Valley in Harris, MN. They farmed and raised registered Polled Hereford cattle for over 30 years. She always had a great love for horses, so for many years there were one or more horses on the farm as well.

Carol was a loving mother and grandmother, she volunteered as a helper for Boy and Girl scouts, but she especially loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sports events. You could always hear her commentary in the cheering section, and count on her for a little practical instruction after the game. She enjoyed bowling and participated in a bowling league well into her 70’s. Carol was also a huge Vikings fan, but often would turn down the volume and give her own commentary to the game. For most of her life, she was a home maker, but returned to work part-time in her later years. She worked at Cenex in Rush City, MN and Rise in Lindstrom, MN. Carol was a lifelong devout Catholic, and loved being at church. She sang in the choir for many years, and loved to play the tambourine when she could. She was a proud altar server for 14+ years at St. Gregory’s The Great parish in North Branch, MN, and enjoyed training the altar boys there for many years. She was always very proud and willing to volunteer at church for any task that was asked of her. 

Preceded in death by her husband James D. Milton I (Jim) of nearly 60 years, and her loving son James D. Milton II (Jimmy II). Also, parents Rose and Elmer Ketchel, and brothers Roy and Greg, and sister, Jeanette Mary Krueger, and sister-in-law’s Carolyn Ketchel and Wilma Ketchel. 

Survived by children, Monique Milton (Steve Kes), Kirsten Milton-Richardson; grandchildren Brandon Milton (Nikki), Micah Harris, Evan Harris, Tanner Fought (Caitlin), Tyler Fought, Madison Mills, Kallyn Mills (fiancé Jonathan Burke) and Grace Mills. Also five great grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and cherished friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 30, 2024, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, (38725 Forest Blvd.) in North Branch. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass at church on Friday.  Private family interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in North Branch following Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. www.grand strandfh.com

 

---