Carol Joanne Tennison

Carol Joanne Tennison, 76, of Niagara, ND passed away on June 12, 2019 at Altru hospital surrounded by her family.

Carol was born May 18, 1943, daughter of Carl and Elsie (Kurtzbein) Bang.  Carol received Holy Baptism and Confirmed her Christian Faith at Elm Grove Lutheran Church near McCanna, ND.

Carol lost her parents at a very young age.  At three years old, she went to live with her sister Burdella and husband, Erick Hillestad, where she was raised like a daughter.  She joined Burdella’s growing family as a sister to her nieces and nephew.  These sibling relationships remained throughout their lives.

In 1961, Carol was part of the first graduating class of Unity High School, Petersburg, ND.  She then attended Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND.  Carol was united in marriage to Leonard (Allen) Tennison on January 24, 1964 and lived near Niagara, ND where they farmed throughout their lives. A jack of all trades, Carol exemplified what it means to be a farm wife.  Her days were filled with delivering fuel, calves, mowing lawn, gardening, canning and hauling workers to the right locations all the while making sure everyone was fed, clean and cared for.  Her kitchen, filled with family and friends, where the best brownies were served, was one of her greatest sources of pride.  Carol’s kind heart loved God’s creatures.  She always had favorites in the back yard as well as in the living room all vying for her attention and a treat.

Carol is survived by her husband Allen, daughter Patty (Duane) Maatz, son Terry (Julie) Tennison as well as her grandchildren Austin Maatz, Landon (Amanda) Maatz, Jessica Tennison, Cole Tennison, her brother in law James (Diane) Tennison, considered siblings, Jan (Art) Dubuque, Donna Yoder, Ellen (Don) Krom, sister in law Dorothy Hillestad, nieces and nephews.  Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers James and LeRoy, sisters Geneva Brown and Burdella Hillestad and considered brother Eugene Hillestad and nephew Aaron Krom.

VISITATION  will be Monday, June 17, 5:00 – 7:00 PM  with a 7 p.m. prayer service held at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore, ND. Visitation will continue one hour before the service in the church.

FUNERAL SERVICES  will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Petersburg Lutheran Church, Petersburg, ND.

INTERMENT:  Niagara Cemetery, Niagara, ND.