Carol J. Vikstrom

Carol Mortensen Vikstrom, age 69 of Elk River, MN died Thursday, July 9, 2020 at J.A. Wedum Hospice in Brooklyn Park.

Carol was born August 25, 1950 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Robbinsdale High School.  Carol attended Golden Valley Lutheran College and went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Physical Therapy. Carol spent most of her career working with infants and pre-school children with physical needs.

Carol was married to Thomas Mortensen for 35 years.  She is survived by her son Joseph (Angela) Mortensen, daughter Kate Mortensen, and stepson Nathaniel (Holly) Mortensen; grandchildren Emma, Riley and Mattias Mortensen; sisters Kate Vikstrom, Susan Vikstrom, and brother Daniel (Kim) Vikstrom; many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Carol was a founding member of the Elk River Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and advocated for education in LGBTQ rights, and racial justice.  She was an outspoken activist on issues of justice, women’s and immigrants’ rights, gun safety and care for creation.

Her love for all animals included a lifelong passion for horses, which led to competition in the sports of dressage and eventing.

Carol will live on in the hearts of a loving family and many longtime friends.  The strength of her faith and convictions was an inspiration to many.

Funeral services will be online on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 1:00PM.  A link is available below this obituary.

Memorials preferred to:  World Vision, Elk River Lutheran Church; Mount Carmel Ministries; Crossroads Animal Shelter; and Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue. Arr. Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

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