Carol M. (Severson) Voight

Carol M. Voight, of Zimmerman, passed away on March 31, 2024, in Princeton, Minnesota.

Carol was born on November 26, 1939, in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Paul and Marie (Offerle) Severson. Carol was baptized and confirmed at Medo Lutheran Church in rural Mapleton, Minnesota. Carol would eventually become Medo’s church organist, a position that she held for almost 10 years.

Carol attended school in Pemberton, Minnesota, graduating in 1957. Carol was her class’s salutatorian, and she gave her salutatory address at the commencement exercises held on May 22, 1957.

Following her high school graduation, Carol attended Mankato Commercial College, Mankato, MN, earning her degree on March 14, 1958. At that time she elected to work for a local law firm in Mankato. This experience, as a legal secretary, allowed her to become familiar with all aspects of a family law practice.

Desiring to broaden her work experience, Carol moved to Minneapolis in 1965 where she continued her legal secretarial career.

On September 7, 1968, Carol married Gary Voight, who at that time was stationed in Washington, DC, serving in the US Army. Carol and Gary rented a U-Haul trailer and took off in Carol’s 1965 Mustang convertible for the apartment that they had rented in Alexandria, VA.

Once settled, Carol became employed by one of DC’s most prestigious law firms. Eventually, Carol worked exclusively for the firm’s top Technology and Communications Regulation attorney. The firm’s client base included many of the nation’s largest media companies. Carol found the work to be challenging, rewarding, and exciting. It also allowed Carol to be present at the creation of the world of cellular telephone communications, as well as the advent of digital television. Carol retired from her position with the firm in 2004 after 36 years of superb, dedicated service.

Carol enjoyed visiting the many historic sites and museums that exist in the Washington, DC, area. She also looked forward to the times when she and Gary could make their way to Hawaii, which was always one of Carol’s favorite destinations. In 2018, to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, they journeyed once more to the Big Island of Hawaii.

In 2005 Carol and Gary decided to leave their home in Leesburg, VA, and relocate back to Minnesota in order to be nearer to family.

Carol truly enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors. When the weather was cooperative, Carol would always try to be outside working in the yard. Just enjoying the beauty of the natural world brought her a great deal of pleasure. She also loved helping Gary with any number of projects that required an extra hand or a cheerful word. Observing the wildlife that frequented the pond that bordered their property in Zimmerman was one of her very favorite pastimes. She truly enjoyed keeping an eye on the pond in the spring when the many migrating birds, ducks, etc., would use the pond and yard as a rest stop as they headed farther north.

Another of Carol’s favorite pastimes was going on the search for antiques. That was especially true when she lived in Virginia, but she also continued to enjoy browsing through the various shops that she and Gary found in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

On the home front Carol very much enjoyed researching recipes and planning the daily meals. At Christmastime, she always looked forward to making her mother’s recipe for Pecan Tea Cookies.

Carol is going to be so greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. It would be difficult to find an occasion when she ever uttered a harsh word. She was always kind and considerate of those around her. When it came to her immediate family, she always put those she loved first. It was inherent in her to be supportive at all times; and she was always eager to provide encouragement whenever and wherever it was needed.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Margaret Severson, and several cousins. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gary; her sister, Phyllis Severson; her brother, John Severson; other family and friends.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Elk River Lutheran Church, 729 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN, with visitation starting at 12:00 Noon. Interment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN, at a later date.

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