Carol A. (Udseth) Kaus

Carol Ann Kaus, age 86 of Glenwood, died Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at Glenwood Retirement Village. A family celebration of life service is planned. No public services will be held. Inurnment will be in Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Carol Ann (Udseth) Kaus was the only child of Ralph and Elsye (Evans) Udseth. She was born December 1, 1934 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was confirmed by Pastor Harry R. Gregerson at East Side Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Carol graduated from Washington High in Sioux Falls where she played the violin in the high school orchestra. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from nearby Augustana College in 1956, where she studied English, Dramatic Arts and History. She participated in drama at both Washington High and during her time as an “Augie”. After college, Carol began her teaching career in Garretson, South Dakota. On December 28, 1957 she married fellow Augustana graduate, Richard (Dick) Kaus. The two made their home in Glenwood, MN. After their move, Carol taught at Glenwood and Villard High Schools until the time came to start a family. She and Dick were both very active in the community and were blessed to share 59 years of marriage before Dick’s death in 2017.

Soon after arriving in Glenwood, Carol began to volunteer at church and in the community where she met many wonderful people who became lifelong friends. She was active in Mrs. Jaycees for many years serving as president and State Delegate, plus countless project Chairmanships. She was a co-chair of the United Way campaign, president of the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, and a Girl Scout leader for 8 years. She spent over 12 years on the Central Square board bringing quality entertainment to the Central Square stage including “A Festival of Nations” extravaganza. Carol was an active member of Glenwood Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday-school, served on many boards and as GLCW president for 2 years. She was a faithful member for over 60 years.

For many years Carol owned Boutique Fabrics which became Boutique Bridal. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the happy brides and their entourages. Over the years, Dick had many interests and businesses and Carol worked beside him in all of them; Instant Shade (tree moving), Ruhr American (sporting goods), Rich-Mar Sports, and American Overhead Conveyors.

Carol had many interests beginning with roller skating, dancing, travel, sewing, quilting, gardening, golfing, cards (especially bridge) and reading. Her favorite activity was enjoying the Lake Minnewaska sunsets with the love of her life, Dick. Carol and Dick were blessed with three daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandsons. She maintained close bonds and was exceedingly proud of each one.

Carol passed away peacefully on February 10, 2021 surrounded by her three daughters at Glenwood Retirement Village. Her family would like to publicly thank the GRV staff for the wonderful care they provided Carol over the years.

Carol is survived by her three daughters Karlyn Wegmann (Dante Cicchetti) of Minneapolis, Karen (Kent Mariska) of Eden Prairie; and KayLynn Wallsmith (Bill Becker) Buffalo; lifetime sons-in-law Kent Wegmann, St. Paul and Jeff Wallsmith of Plymouth. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and three great grandsons: Matthew Wegmann (Carolyn Black) and son Jack of Denver, CO; Nathan Wegmann (Sharmila Raghunandan) Atlanta, GA; Benjamin Jacobson (Niko Chavarria) New York, NY; Cecily Wegmann (Matt Thrasher) Minneapolis; Samantha Reilly and sons Michael and Elias of Richfield; Julia Jacobson (Jarrett Gardner) of St. Louis Park; Alex Wallsmith of Plymouth; and Carol Ann Wallsmith (Michael Stamp) of Buffalo.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Elyse and Ralph Udseth; her beloved husband, Richard Kaus, and his parents, Mary and Edmund Kaus.

Memorials preferred to Glenwood Lutheran Church, 206 Minnesota Ave East, Glenwood, MN 56334

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