Carol Lorraine Engel was born on August 19, 1948, to Carl and Lorraine Swanson in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She was raised in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1966.

After high school, Carol moved to Minneapolis and worked at Munsingwear. It was later, while working at Honeywell in St. Louis Park, that she met the love of her life, Loren “Bruce” Engel. They were married in 1969 and shared more than 51 years together. In 1973, they moved to Hanley Falls, Minnesota, where they built their home and raised their three children.

Throughout her working years, Carol served as the secretary at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church and was also employed by North Star Mutual Insurance, Unger’s Furniture, and later as a kitchen aide at Granite Falls Hospital. She was known for her strong work ethic, warm personality, and caring nature.

Carol was an active member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Homemakers, Study Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, City Council, Garden Club, Red Hats, Quilting Club, and WELCA. Through these organizations, she formed many lifelong friendships.

Family was the center of Carol’s life. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. She cherished the many cats she owned throughout the years and always had a soft spot for her children’s and grandchildren’s dogs. She enjoyed Sunday drives through the countryside, trips to Duluth and Northern Wisconsin, and gathering with family for holidays, celebrations, and everyday moments.

In 2020, Carol and Bruce celebrated 51 years of marriage before Bruce’s passing later that year.

On July 6, 2026, Carol passed away peacefully at the age of 77 after a long and courageous journey with dementia.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lorraine Swanson, and her husband, Loren “Bruce” Engel, in 2020.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Karla (Mark) Humbeutel; sons, Scott (Paul Hebert) Engel and Matthew Engel; grandchildren, Madeline (John) Van Driel and Maxwell Humbeutel; brother, Robert “Bob” (Carol) Swanson; her brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation with Carol’s family will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10 AM at the Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls, followed by the memorial service at 11 AM. Her ashes will be placed beside her husband, Bruce, in Yellow Medicine East Cemetery, Hanley Falls, Minnesota; with her parents in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; and near Mason, Wisconsin, alongside her grandparents, cousins, and other beloved family members.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness, love of family, and the many friendships she made throughout her life.