On Friday, April 30, 2021, Carol (Sorenson) Wilcox passed away at the age of 73 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, MN. Her relentless battle with ALS ended with her daughter at her side. During her final time with us, she maintained a great sense of humor, well-intentioned stubbornness, and concern for family well-being.
She is survived by her dedicated husband of 45 years, David Wilcox (Rochester, MN). Their marriage was highlighted by the birth of their two children: Paul Wilcox of Fulton, MD, and Kristen Risser (husband Joel) of Rochester, MN. Her playful demeanor was always heightened when interacting with her three grandchildren: Tyler Risser, Sebastian Wilcox, and Zachary Risser. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother Robert (wife Marlene) Sorenson of Decorah, IA. She is also dearly remembered by her niece, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
She was born in Decorah, IA, on June 13, 1947, and graduated from Decorah High School in 1965. Her aptitude and logical mindset were a great fit for her programming career at Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, MN. Via serendipitous encounters associated with weddings of common acquaintances, she met her husband, David Wilcox of La Crosse, WI. They were married at Carol’s home church in Decorah, IA, on November 29, 1975. After their wedding, they made California their home (escaping the snow) until a return to Rochester, MN, to be closer to family in 2020.
Family and friends were a passion in her life. She always put others before herself and made those around her feel loved and cared for. She lit up a room with her humor and smile. Carol was persistent in maintaining strong connections with friends from school, work, and church. She will be deeply missed by all.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 6, at 4:30pm at Christ Community Church in Rochester, MN (4400 55th Street NW), preceded by a visitation at 3:30pm. Condolences may be sent to 5618 Cornucopia Avenue NW, Rochester, MN, 55901.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Carol may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
God bless your family. We have been friends for many many years and I am thinking of the wonderful fun times we have had.
Carol will be missed. One ya-ya member gone.
Dave and family,
I remember Carol as added joy snd laughter at our neighborhood get together. So grateful for all she gave to others through love.
My deepest sympathy to all. I will always remember our “cousin” get togethers & family picnics where I finally got to know cousin Carol better. Sending prayers. Not sure if I will be able to make visitation.
Sympathies to all of you. You are in my prayers.
Her contagious smile and friendship will be sorely missed.
I knew Carol in high school. She maintained contact through all these years and was always a joy to see whenever our paths crossed since graduation. She will be missed.
Carol, will be missed always looked forward to visiting with her and Dave on summer trips back home. Always would put smile on your face. God be with her family through this time.
Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to a treasured “family” member. We shared trips to the beach, birthday breakfasts and holiday meals. Carol always brought the jokes and the laughter! How we will miss her ❤️ We carry all of the Wilcox family in our hearts. Wish we could be there with you on Thursday.
Sympathy and love from The Lacy Family in Oceanside.
Carol was a very loyal friend. Having attended Confirmation and Luther League , as well as singing in First Lutheran’s choir, we always looked forward to Wednesday night’s gatherings. The highlight was traveling to Detroit to the Luther League Convention in 1962 and making “jello” in the bathtub. From that time on Carol became known as “Jello” to a few of her closest friends…I was also privileged to travel for a month in July of 1970 out west with her…tenting, staying with friends and relatives along the way., such special memories will not be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. You have served God well on earth!
I am so sorry for your loss . Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Carol was the light in any room! Her laugh, I can almost hear. Her humor was infectious and, she always “vibed” the message of being “here for you.” A friend. Someone to count on. She is missed but her legacy lives on.
Carol was a beautiful lady. It is a true blessing to have known her. She had a beautiful personality and a beautiful smile. She always welcomed me as a part of the family group that met at her brother Robert’s house during Nordic Fest. May you rest in eternal peace with our Lord. Prayers to Carol’s family. Thinking of you with much love
We are so sad to have lost a member of our “family”. We shared many trips to the beach when the kids were little, birthday breakfasts and holiday meals. Carol always brought the jokes and laughter! Our hearts go out to all of her family. We love you Dave, Kristen and Paul.
Thoughts & prayers are with all of you. May God Bless!
Carol was a very loyal friend. Having attended Confirmation and Luther League, as well as singing in First Lutheran’s Youth Choir, we always looked forward to Wednesday night gatherings and Carol usually having the 55 Dodge to chauffer us around .I was privileged to travel for a month in July of 1970 out west with her, tenting and staying with relatives and friends along the way, such special memories will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend. You have served God well on earth!
Carol lived next door to my Grandparents in Decorah. My sister’s and I spent many hours as young girls,and all our growing up years playing, laughing doing all the great things we did as kid’s!! She will be so missed!! I can still hear her infectious laugh!! It was beautiful!! I saw Carol at my sister’s a few years ago, she was in Decorah, and she made a point to come visit all of us, this is the wonderful friend she always remained. We will miss you Carol!! Love from the Scholl sisters.