Carol Johnson, 84, of Bristol, SD died Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Prairie Lakes Hospital, Watertown.

Funeral services will be 10:30 Wednesday, March 28 at Bergen Lutheran Church, rural Bristol with Rev. Jan FitzGibbon officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 Tuesday March 27 at Coester Funeral Home, Webster with a 7:00 Prayer Service. Visitation will resume again one hour prior to the services at the church.

Carol Constance Skaare was born to John and Bertha (Langeland) Skaare on September 27 on her grandparents' farm near Bristol, SD. She attended Fountain #152 Country School and graduated from Bristol High School in 1945.

Carol married Lyle "Bud" Johnson at Bergen Lutheran Church on September 21, 1947. They made their home on her grandparents' family farm for 28 years, raising their family, farming, and running various businesses. The couple moved to Bristol in 1983.

Carol was the power behind her husband in all aspects of their life together. She was truly, the ultimate farm wife. Carol was famous for serving countless meals to whoever Bud brought home for dinner throughout their marriage. Carol supported Bud in all his endeavors, including the City of Bristol and the Bristol Community Store. She stood proudly along side her husband as he was recognized and honored with a Hometown Leadership award, which they traveled to Washington, DC to receive in 2000. Carol and Bud were also honored by the VFW Auxiliary in appreciation of their service to the community.

Carol was employed by Dacotah Inc. in Webster for approximately 10 years. She later supervised the RSVP senior meals program in Bristol. Carol served on the Bergen Cemetery Board, held various offices with Bergen WELCA and served as a Sunday School teacher in her church. Bergen Lutheran Church holds a vary special place in her heart.

Grateful for having shared her life is one daughter, Karen (Dan) Sumner of Watertown, and 5 sons: Lauren (Kathy) of Bristol, Paul (Karen) of Webster, Greg (Mary) of Bristol, Doug (Rhonda) of Bristol, and Keith (Kerry) of Hutchinson, MN. Her 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren were very important in her life, and were never forgotten on birthdays or at holidays with the help of her special calendar.

Carol's sisters were her best friends. She leaves behind Margaret (Erwin) Wattier of Bristol, Leona (Larry) Wattier, of Langford, Eunice (Ronald) Hanson of Rapid City, Noel (Kenneth) Anderson of Webster, and also a sister-in-law, Jeanne Skaare of Bristol. Several nieces, nephews and their children were also held dear in her heart.

Meeting Carol at Heaven's door will be her husband, one brother, John Leo Skaare, and her parents.

Rachael Johnson Anderson put into words how many people feel about this incredible woman: "If I can be a wife, mother, or grandmother who remotely resembles the character of my grandma, I will be proud. It is rare to look at someone in your life who you do not have one single negative memory or thought of, even in the slightest detail. Grandma, you are truly remarkable."