Carter Andrew Kane, age 26, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, at Mayo Methodist Hospital, with his mom and dad holding his hands.
Carter was born on January 2, 2000 in Duluth, MN to Daniel and Darcy (Arola) Kane.
Carter was a loving, caring, and incredibly funny soul whose sense of humor and deep faith carried him and those around him through life’s hardest moments. He was a natural protector — a father figure to his siblings — always spending his own money on them, making holidays magical, putting on fireworks displays every Fourth of July, and dressing up as Shaggy so his youngest brother Gabe could be Scooby-Doo. His love showed in actions, big and small.
He shared a deep and devoted love with his partner, Josie, who meant everything to him.
Carter had a lifelong passion for rock and punk rock music. He played bass guitar and loved performing with his band in Duluth, Minnesota. He was fascinated by the Renaissance, collected swords, loved all things cryptids and paranormal, and never outgrew Scooby-Doo. He enjoyed Dungeons & Dragons, painting miniatures, and spending time with his dad playing World of Warcraft. He adored his sweet rescue dog, Quinn, and treasured time with his cousins, who were a huge part of his life.
Homeschooled before attending Lake Superior College, Carter was working toward becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant — a career that reflected his desire to help others.
For eight and a half years, Carter battled pineoblastoma with quiet strength and gratitude. He never defined himself by illness and remained thankful for the caregivers who supported him throughout his journey.
Carter served faithfully at The River Church in Duluth, Minnesota, where he ran the soundboard and volunteered with Celebrate Recovery. He also gave his time to Ruby’s Pantry.
He is survived by his parents, Daniel Kane and Darcy Kane (Arola); his siblings, Christian Kane, Elise Kane, and Gabriel Kane; his grandparents, Judd Kane and Nancy Saari (Duluth), Paul and Beth Sorenson (Duluth), Clifford and Nancy Arola (Duluth); his partner, Josie; his beloved dog, Quinn; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins: Mark (Alyssa) Kane, Nikki (Aaron) White, Steven Kane, Jennifer (Yancy) LeMone, Jake (Grace) Arola, Brynn, Grayson, Dylan, Landon, Parker, Jackson, Autumn, Ashley, Ian, Bobby, Alyssa, Brooklyn, Bailey, Jillian, Jenna, Austin, Ethan, and Emily.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Ed and Ruth Kane, June Chase, Paul (Bob) and Janice Sorenson, Walter and Sylvia Arola, Gerald and Ramona Ritzema; his Uncle Michael Kane; and his beloved camping and “sasquatch buddy,” Uncle George Kane.
Carter was, in every sense, a beautiful soul. His laughter, faith, loyalty, and huge heart leave a mark that will never fade.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, February 16th at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Nancy Munson, at Community Celebration Church, 27337 County Hwy 34, Kasson, MN 55944.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Carter may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
