Carolyn G. Imhof

Carolyn G. Imhof, nee (Thom) was born on December 10, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN and passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2026 surrounded by family. Carolyn had several nicknames; she was known as "Pudge" to her family because she was a bit 'rotund' as an infant. In college she was known as "Carrie" and her husband called her "Carol."  She was the second of three children born to Wenzel and Frances Thom. At age three, the family moved to New Ulm, MN. When she turned seven the family moved to Wichita, KS where her father had accepted a job with Beech Aircraft.

Carolyn was a 1956 graduate of the College of St Catherine with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, WI.  She met Otto Imhof on a blind date. They were married on August 16, 1958 and raised a family, which included four children, in Roseville, MN. Carol was an active volunteer at St. Rose of Lima, where the children attended school. She was a frequent substitute teacher and a funeral lunch coordinator. Later in life, she volunteered at St Ambrose Catholic Church in Woodbury, stuffing the weekly bulletins.

When her oldest son, Jim, was born she became a full-time home-maker and part-time substitute teacher. She was a wonderful cook, baker and seamstress. She loved flowers, especially peonies. She was an amazing interior designer, with a keen eye for paint colors, furniture placement and accent pieces. The family spent many summer days at the cabin on Upper Gull lake in northern Minnesota. Carol loved long boat rides that patrolled the shoreline. She enjoyed a glass of wine on the deck at the cabin or at home before dinner. She and Otto, also enjoyed traveling which included several trips to Europe, as well as a trip to Ireland with her girlfriends. Most of all she adored her family and spending time with her six grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Kathleen Gordon (Bob), son, Thomas (Janice Miller) and daughter, Ann Wolfe (Dave), sister, Jackie Sullivan (San Luis Obispo, CA) and brother, Bill Thom (Novato, CA), sister-in law, Zelah Imhof (Littlefork, MN), Carrie and John Komes (St. Helena, CA), brother-in-law, Rudy Imhof, (Littlefork, MN). Grandchildren: Robert, William and Caroline Gordon, Grace, Eleanor, and Maria Wolfe. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wenzel and Frances Thom, stepmother Anne Thom; in-laws Otto and Mary Imhof; husband Otto; son James; sister and brother in-laws Jane Thom, Jerry Sullivan, Ernestine Imhof, Eleanor and Bob Giorgi, Carl and Eileen Imhof, Marlys Imhof and Anton Imhof.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Our Lady of Peace Hospice, especially Nurse Jeri and Nursing Assistant Jessica. Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, 4/9 at 11am at St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 10am.

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