Obituary for Carol A. Kartak

Carol Ann Kartak, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 22, 2023. She leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Tom from Maple Grove; a son, Jason (Sharla) Kartak and two granddaughters, Rebecca and Jescelyn Kartak all from Cabool, Missouri; sisters through marriage, Fran and Jean Kartak from New Hope and Joan Atkins from Cottage Grove; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lillian Leska; her brother, Paul and a granddaughter, Kayli. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 5-8pm at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home; 34 Second St. NE, Osseo, MN 55369. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salvation Army in remembrance of Carol Kartak.

Carol Ann was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on September 15, 1943 to Joseph and Lillian Leska. She loved to share memories of growing up in a first generation Italian family and her days working and living in Germany as a young adult. Carol loved the adventure of traveling and experiencing life to the fullest. Her favorite places were Vermont at the family cabin and Minnesota's north shore. She was a constant learner with an unending lover of books.

In 1976, Carol married her soulmate, Tom Kartak and settled in Maple Grove, Minnesota where they built a family and a life for 47 years. Tom was her rock and she was his. Carol suffered from complicated health issues for many years, Tom lovingly and sacrificially cared for her to the end. Their commitment and love for each other was inspiring to all that knew them. In 1978, Tom and Carol welcomed their only child, Jason. Being a dedicated wife and mother was her passion. Even as Jason grew, she was dedicated to being the best mother she could be. When Jason married, she was so excited to have a new daughter to help keep the boys in line. She loved Sharla as her own and wasn't shy about showing it. Carols love of family reached new heights when she became a grandmother. Carol poured her heart and soul into her granddaughters. Everyone who knew Carol, knew her granddaughters were her pride and joy. She was always their biggest cheerleader.

When Jason entered junior high, Carol took on a position at North View Junior High School in Brooklyn Park. This position allowed her to not only make more amazing friends but also be home with Jason throughout his youth. She loved her job and the people she worked with. Carol remained at North View until her retirement.

Carol was active in helping with AWANA programming at Grace Church in Edina Sharing Jesus with others and giving her gifts and talents to encourage spiritual growth was dear to her heart. She cherished her church family. Although her health kept her from attending church, she faithfully connected online and continued to pursue Jesus through prayer and worship until He called her home. As Carol's complicated health issues limited her physically, she continued to reveal her resilience, fighting spirit, strength and love of life, all of which were firmly grounded in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Through it all, she persevered with dignity while alway thinking and praying for others before herself. She loved her friends and family fiercely.

We rejoice that she is standing in the presence of her Savior, surrounded by a great crowd of witness where there is no more tears or pain. We praise God that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the free gift of Salvation offered through Him, we have the promise of Heaven and dancing with her again in heaven.