Carol Ann (Keranen) Kaminiski, age 82, of Staples, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday July 19, 2026 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo ND.

Carol Ann Keranen was born May 29, 1944 at Wesley Hospital in Wadena MN, to Elmer and Edna (Kumpula) Keranen. She attended country school and graduated from Sebeka High School, with the class of 1962. Carol went onto further her education by obtaining a two year medical degree that permitted her to work in laboratories in the Twin Cities area. Carol was united in Marriage to Leon Kaminski at the Meadow Apostolic Lutheran Church in Meadow Township, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two children; Joseph and Sandra

They made their home in the Twin Cities with Leon working for the U.S. Post Office and Carol for clinics in the area. As time marched on, they eventually moved their family to the Brainerd Lakes Area and up to the Iron Range (Marble MN), with Carol working a variety of roles in clinics/hospitals in Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing and Harrison AR, ending her career as a histotechnologist. While in Brainerd, she helped launch the East Gull Lake Pioneers 4-H Club sharing the joy she had with 4-H as a child with many and it is still an active group in Crow Wing county. Also while in Brainerd Carol became involved with Al-Anon when Leon chose a life of sobriety. Her caring and generous nature in this area built lifelong friendships and helped countless individuals for a little bit, for a reason and a season.

In the 1990's Leon and Carol retired to Flippin, Arkansas to enjoy a slower pace of life, see and live in areas outside of MN/WI. She became active in the music scene there with Leon and began a lifelong love affair with quilting. Her hangings, quilts and and other items she sewed were often done for her children, but anyone would be blessed with her treasures. When both her and Leon needed to have better medical care, they moved to Glen Ellyn IL, nearest their daughter to avail themselves of the Chicago area doctors and enjoy years with their youngest grandson. Each Saturday without fail, Sandra and John visited Carol and Leon for coffee and lunch. When their lives needed more, they didn't hesitate to make choices that would help them in the twilight years of their lives. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Edna in 1971 and 2007 and her oldest brother Leon, in 1993 along with niece Katrine in 2009 and nephew Shane in 2014. 

Deeply loved, Carol's passing will be mourned by her husband of 62 years, Leon, her son Joseph, daughter Sandra "Sandi" (Alvin) Martin and two grandsons, Eric and John Berg. John (Sharon) Keranen, Janice (Alan) Walz, Dave (Melody) Keranen and Gen Keranen, widow of Leon Keranen along with numerous nieces and nephews, friends and family who treasured her presence in their lives.