Carol Lee

Carol Marie Lee March 16, 1937 – August 6, 2025

Carol Marie Lee (Klein), 88, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Eventide Heartland Care after a long battle with COPD.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake. A meal and social will follow at Ruger Park. Burial will be Thursday, August 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau, ND.

Carol was born on March 16, 1937, in Munich, ND, to Rosine and Fred “Fritz” Klein. The eldest of five siblings, she grew up on a farm 4½ miles north of Alsen, ND. She graduated from Alsen High School in 1954 and went on to study business.

While working in the business office at Mann’s Clothing Store, Carol met Ronald Lee, the man with whom she would share her life. They were married on December 14, 1958, at Alsen Lutheran Church, leaving their ceremony in true North Dakota fashion: during a blizzard.

Together, Carol and Ron built a life in Bottineau, ND, raising four children: Micheal Dean, twin daughters, Penny Faye and Patty Kaye, and David Harvey. Carol was a devoted mother and active community member. She served as a Boy Scout leader for 17 years, a Girl Scout leader for about 15, taught Sunday school, and even used the family station wagon to chauffeur team members for Mike and David’s baseball games. She also worked at the local Ben Franklin store and babysat for neighborhood children.

In 1981, she moved to Crosby, ND. Carol worked at the local drug store before becoming a CNA at the Crosby Good Samaritan Center, where she served with compassion for 17 years. In addition to her professional care, she lovingly cared for Ron through his battle with Huntington’s disease until his passing.

After experiencing a stroke in 2005, Carol moved to Devils Lake, where she lived for the last 20 years of her life.

Carol enjoyed many pastimes over the years, including bowling league, weekly bingo nights, playing cards, supporting the local VFW, and mystery trips with her brother-in-law, Jack. She had a love for watching sports, especially football—college and pro alike. She was a talented crocheter, creating afghans for each grandchild and baby blankets for her great-grandchildren. During her time in Devils Lake, she cherished hosting Wednesday night family dinners until her health no longer allowed it.

Her greatest joy came from her family. She treasured photos of her grandkids and great-grandkids, but it was the time spent with them that filled her heart. Being called “Grandma” was her most prized title. And she poured her love into every stitch of every blanket she made for them. Carol was specially known by her family for gifting each of her grand and great-grandchildren a special Hallmark ornament every Christmas.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Lee; sons Micheal Dean Lee and David Harvey Lee; great-granddaughter Alexis Lee; parents Rosine and Fred Klein; sister Floreen “Rennie” Wills and her husband Allen; and in-laws Duane Tharaldson, and Jack and Beverly Nash.

She is survived by her daughters, Penny Faye Dolbeare (Craig) and Patty Kaye Kavli (McCarl); siblings Diane Schonauer (Don), Sandra Tharaldson, and Rodney “Rod” Klein (Glenda); her cherished grandchildren: Micheal Todd Lee, Samantha Frazier-Lee, Matthew Frazier-Lee (Cassidy), Patrick Lee, Isabella Lee, Brandon Dolbeare (Alicia), Stephanie Dolbeare, Nicholas Kavli (Kristy), Kristina Sogge (Andrew), Nathan Kavli, Kaitlin Landowski (Corey), Jesse Lee, and Jordan Lee (Andrew); and her 22 great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be all of Carol’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of family and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.