Carol (Nancy) Arvidson

Carol (Nancy) Arvidson, lovingly known as Nana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 3, 2024, in Fargo, North Dakota, at the age of 80. Born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, Carol’s life was filled with love, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

 In 1962, Carol met the love of her life, Ernie, at a church function, and they were married in North Dakota the following year. In 1964, Carol moved to North Dakota with Ernie, where they built their life together, living in Valley City, Carrington, and East Grand Forks, MN. They welcomed two daughters, LaRayne and Andrea, into their family. After Andrea was born, the family moved to Grand Forks, where Carol became involved with Avon, eventually rising to the position of district manager.

 Carol’s passion for photography led her to establish two successful studios, Cavalier Studio and Creative Camera. Through her lens, she captured countless treasured memories for families and friends. After tragically losing her studio, Creative Camera, to the flood and fire of 1997, Carol retired from photography. She continued to work diligently, serving in roles at Border States Electric, the University of North Dakota, and Hancock Fabrics.

 Despite her professional accomplishments, Carol was most proud of her role within her family, which was always her highest priority. She taught each of us to be the best person we can possibly be, leading by example with kindness and care for everyone around her. She believed wholeheartedly in the phrase, "It takes a village," and lived by that truth every day. If you were at her house, you were treated like family—sometimes even disciplined like family too! She taught us that everyone was welcome anytime, and no one should be excluded unless they chose to be. LaRayne’s childhood friend often commented that Carol’s house was a safe place for her when her own family life was less than ideal.

 Carol also had a special talent for making a meal out of even the most meager ingredients, and 99.9% of the time, her 'Carol Special' turned out terrific—except on the rare occasions when those ingredients involved squash, fish, or mushrooms! Some of her most memorable creations were her famous buns, magic sauce, and her unique mayo, peanut butter, and tomato sandwiches. Casyn fondly remembers coming into Nana's house after school to the comforting smell of buns baking in the oven. Now, Jess and Brynn will carry on the cherished tradition of baking those famous buns, ensuring that Carol’s legacy lives on through the love and care she put into her cooking.

 In her free time, Carol enjoyed playing cards, gardening, watching Sioux hockey games, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, and spending time with her special lap friend Izzy. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She played a vital role in helping to raise her grandchildren, Gerald and Jessica, as well as her great-grandchildren, Gavin, Casyn, and Brynn, always putting her family’s needs before her own.

 Carol’s legacy of love, resilience, and dedication will live on through her family and the way they love and care for one another. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

 Carol is survived by her husband and closest friend of 61 years, Ernie; her daughters LaRayne (Tim) Hartman/Arvidson and Andrea (Jeremy) Wegener; her grandchildren Gerald Arvidson and Jessica (Tanner) Grosz; her great-grandchildren Gavin, Casyn, and Brynn; her brothers Robert and John Todd; and many other extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

 An informal gathering to celebrate Carol’s life will be held at the family farm on November 9th, 2024 beginning at 2 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us!