Carol Schlemmer

Carol Schlemmer, age 72, of Alexandria, died Sunday, May 1, 2016. A memorial service will be held 1 PM Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria Visitation will be from 12 Noon to 1 PM Saturday at the church. OBITUARY Carol Jean Araujo was born May 21, 1943 in Hilo, HI, the daughter of Harry Araujo and Ruth (Araujo-Meunier). She grew up in Hilo where she was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Carol attended and graduated from St Joseph’s Elementary and High School. She continued her education in Honolulu Business School where she learned secretary and bookkeeping. Carol was married in Hilo Hawaii in 1963 to James S. Lawrence, of the US Navy and had three children, Michele, and twins, Mary and Marilyn. They moved to Spring Valley, CA where she worked for the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce as a secretary. Carol’s second marriage was to Richard Schlemmer in 1972. The couple moved their blended family to San Diego, CA and was blessed with a son Scott. In 1975 the family moved to Redwood Falls, MN, where Richard and Carol began a business together, Midwest Grease Buyers. They also owned and operated the restaurant, R & D Exchange in Redwood Falls and later operated a company called Fat Vat. Carol assisted Richard in the day to day operations of these companies while raising her family. Carol and Richard loved the lake life and enjoyed cabins on Norway Lake, Lake Miltona and then moved to Lake Le Homme Dieu in Alexandria, MN in 1988. They would spend summers at the lake until 1993 when they retired full time and made Alexandria their residence. Carol and Richard also wintered in Scottsdale, AZ for over fifteen years. Carol’s faith was important to her she was active at the Church of St. Katherine in Redwood Falls and attended church at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Carol enjoyed spending time knitting, gardening and doing crafts. She was part of a local group that worked on Hardangar embroidery. She also loved collecting angels of any kind. Carol kept a spot at the Now and Then store in Alexandria where she was a dealer in antiques. Carol also enjoyed lake living. Being able to gather family and friends at her lake place was very special to her. Cocktails or just enjoying the view at the lake was something she loved. Carol was also very proud of her Hawaiian background. She learned some of the Native Hawaiian language. Carol loved to cook and learned to cook many Hawaiian dishes. Since moving to the mainland Carol has made about thirty trips back to Hawaii to visit her family and friends there. On Sunday, May 1, 2016 Carol died at the age of seventy-two years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Schlemmer; her parents; one daughter, Marilyn Sullivan; three step children. Richard Schlemmer, Jr., Ronald Schlemmer and Jeanie Schlemmer; one grandchild, Keaton Vickers; one brother, Roger Araujo; and one sister, Kathy Araujo. Carol is survived by her son, Scott Schlemmer and wife, Heidi, of Sweetwater, TX; her daughters, Mary Franzen and husband, Bill, of Alexandria, Michele Roeloffs and husband, Norman, of Jupiter FL, Step Daughters; Joy Wilson and husband, Ken, of Oregon and Jeri Ann Lee and husband Michael Pitzen, of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Derek Bellanca, Samantha Roeloffs, Katherine Roeloffs, Brittany Homan, Zachary Freiborg, Bradley Vickers, Eden Schlemmer, Bryn Schlemmer and Jett Schlemmer; and stepgrandchild John Seavello, great grandchildren, Drake Freiborg and Delilah Homan; and son-in-law, Tim Sullivan of Naples, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1 PM Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers include all of Carol’s grandchildren. Aloha attire is appropriate. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home. To view Carol's video tribute, click on the link below: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/M4S6ZFJYRNY4B6T3

Carol Schlemmer

May 21, 1943 - May 1, 2016