Carlyn Mae (Baasen) Nordby

Carlyn Nordby, 85, of Willmar, was peacefully welcomed into her promised heavenly home on February 4, 2026.

She will be commended to God’s eternal care with a funeral at Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar, MN on Saturday, February 21 and will be streamed on the church's YouTube page. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, the funeral at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.  Internment will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery following the luncheon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vinje Lutheran Church, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (now Water’s Edge Ministries), the Willmar School Foundation, or the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

Carlyn Mae (Baasen) Nordby, was born October 5, 1940, and grew up on a farm south of Fergus Falls, near Wendell, MN. She and her husband Ron were married at Rock Prairie Lutheran church and lived in Elbow Lake before moving to Willmar in 1962.

Carlyn lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. After the death of her mother, she helped raise her siblings and learned early the call to care for others. She had a gift for bringing people together and often reminded the family how important it was to gather and stay connected.

Her faith shaped each day as she began her mornings in prayer. At Vinje Lutheran Church, she served as an active member of Circle, helped in the kitchen, and volunteered in the church library and office.

Carlyn was among the first in Kandiyohi County to operate a certified daycare and then worked for the Willmar Public School District. At her retirement, her many years of service were honored when a street at the new high school was named after her – “Carlyn Lane”. She also worked several years at West Central Industries. In retirement, she volunteered at the Surgery Center and        Cancer Center at Rice Memorial Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle (Fronning) Baasen; her father and stepmother, Morris and Avis Baasen; her parents-in-law, Lewis and Leona Nordby; her sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Frank Ostby; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joanne and Dennis Preston; and her daughter-in-law, Betsy.

Carlyn is survived by her loving husband of nearly 66 years, Ron; her sons Tim (Wanda), Mark (Kelli), and Peter; her grandchildren Hannah (Grant), Gabe (Angel), Erik (Megan), Graeson, Dylan, Brandon, and Chris (Keli); great-grandchildren Maddock, Moselle, Oaklynn, Elijah, Bella, Bailey, Isaiah, Skylar, and Holton; her brother Eugene Baasen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dick and  Marlyce Nordby; and many beloved nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Carlyn trusted deeply in God’s promises through our crucified and risen Lord, Jesus Christ and now enjoys the glories of heaven. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).

Carlyn's family would like to thank the staff of Bethesda Nursing Home and Hospice Care for the extraordinary compassion and kindness that they shared with her and with us. We are grateful!
 

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