Carolyn Lee Sjogren (71) went “home” for Christmas on December 14, 2019, holding the hand of her precious caregiver and husband of more than 50 years, Randy. She was born February 16, 1948, in Waseca, MN, to Marvin and Mildred Yess. As a young child, she battled polio, spending countless hours at doctors’ offices and even some time at the Sister Kenny Institute to receive treatment.
As she grew up, she not only had a smile that would light up a room, but she had a servant’s heart and would do just about anything for anyone. She graduated from Waseca High School in 1966 and then went on to attend school in Brainerd, Minn., to become a dental assistant, which she did for a while in Mankato, Minn.
She married the love of her life, Randy Oscar Sjogren, on April 12, 1969. They settled in Farmington, Minn. , where Carolyn did what she loved more than anything, which was raise her four children. She was a homemaker for many years, but then as the kids got older, she went back to work. She was a florist for a time, as well as a very successful dog breeder. Then a paraprofessional for many years where she gave of herself to kids that were in need of someone to love and care for them. She opened her heart and home to anyone in need of a hug or a hot meal.
She had to retire early as Alzheimer’s had begun to take hold of Carolyn’s memories at a very young age. Her mobility and ability to speak soon followed, but, like I said, she had a smile that could light up a room, and hers did for anyone that knew her. Even in her silence, she still had a way of communicating with you.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband
Randy Sjogren; children, Shane Sjogren (Kyla) of Seaside, Ore.; Aaron Sjogren (Terri) of Grand Marais, Minn. and their children, Michael, Jami, Dillon, and Shelby; Josh Sjogren (Melissa) of Melrose, Minn. and their children, Samson, McCoy, William, Evelyn, Cecelia, Addison, and Sylvia; Emily Johnson (Ben) of Apple Valley, Minn. and their children, Madelyn and Caleb; brother, Curtis Yess (Deb) of Waseca, Minn.; sister, Cynthia Yess (Pauline) of Rochester, Minn.
May God continue to bless her legacy of love for the benefit of others. Services were held at Trinity Church in Lakeville, Minn., on December 19, 2019.
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