Carole May (Jankila) Wakefield

Carole May (Jankila) Wakefield

May 2, 1937          March 3, 2024

            Carole M. Wakefield, 86, lifelong resident of Buhl, MN died Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, MN.  She was born May 2, 1937 in Virginia, MN to John and Helvi (Tuomainen) Janckila. Carole was valedictorian and homecoming Queen at Martin Hughes High School, class of 1955 in Buhl, MN.  She later completed a degree at Eveleth Technical College in Graphic Arts.  A homemaker by trade, Carole took great pride in raising her family.  She spent the majority of her time raising her children with unconditional love and being non-judgmental.  Carole loved sewing, making clothing and quilts for her family.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, and cooking and was never afraid to try new recipes.  

            She is survived by her children, Susan (Norman) Nelson, Cook, MN, Raymond (Gladys) Wakefield, Hibbing, John Wakefield, Superior, WI, and Mitchell Wakefield, Buhl, MN, siblings, Marian Berray, Lafayette, PA, and John (Sylvia) Jankila, Virginia, MN, six grandchildren, Leah (Nick) Rowland, Tionna Nelson, Jake Nelson, Adam, Justin, and Derek Schrombeck, 7 great-grandchildren, along with her nieces, nephews, and cousins.

            Carole was preceded in death by her beloved children, Todd and Shari Wakefield, former husband, Raymond J. Wakefield Sr., parents, John and Helvi, sister, Gloria (Gusty) Samsa, and brother-in-law, Jim Berray.

            Funeral services for Carole will be 11:00 am, Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.  The Rev. Kevin Olson will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday.  Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery of Buhl, MN.  Carole’s family would like to send a sincere thank you to the entire Cornerstone Villa Staff for the exceptional care that was given to Carole in the recent past.  Also a well-deserved, heartfelt thank you to her son Mitch for the wonderful care that was given to mom, so she could stay home with family as long as possible.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.