Obituary for Carol A. (Goetzinger) Sundell

She was born November 29, 1934, in the village of Caledonia, Houston County, Minnesota, to Alton and Edna (Gran) Goetzinger. She lived on the family farm in Freeburg until 1952 before her family moved into town in Caledonia. Carol was a 1952 graduate of Caledonia High School; after graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, attending secretarial school and in late 1952 moved to California. Carol met and married Gary Sundell on January 13th, 1961 in Los Angeles, CA. Together they raised their three boys, David, Scott, and Brett in the LA area before the family moved back to Minnesota in 1971. making their home in Bloomington.

Carol worked throughout her life beginning at Greybar Company in LA where she met and married Gary. Later in Minnesota while raising a family she maintained near continuous employment with her most significant positions including several years in office administration at Decision Data, Office administrator for International Village apartment complex, and then 17 years as a graphic designer for Mobile Media; all in Bloomington MN. Carol finally worked as a cashier at Cub Foods in Bloomington for more than 20 years as a second job. Remarkably holding two jobs until the age of 80. She had an incredibly strong work ethic and worked until the age of 84.

Carol found joy in sewing, baking, and cooking—creating countless outfits and preparing impressive spreads for every holiday. She was the rock of her family: firm yet always present, ensuring her boys were cared for and supported. Most notable to all who knew her was her sense of fashion. No matter the occasion she was always well dressed.

Survivors include her sons, David Sundell, Scott (Linda Wayne) Sundell, and Brett (Elaine) Sundell; five grandchildren, Amber (Dustin) Clay, Afton(Jack) McNeill Alex(Shannon) Sundell Meghan(Andrew)Eisgruber and Cassandra(fiancé Brady Christinson) five great-granddaughters, Norah, Amelia, Irene, Winnie, and Jeri; sister, Jean Zeimet; niece, Debra McClain; great-nieces, Danielle and Alyssa; great-nephew, Jeremiah; and dear friend, James Gottfried.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Pat Mesker; niece, Susan Larson; brother-in-law, James Zeimet; and great-niece, Amy Brown.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service, Monday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be offered to Carol's family at this site.