Carol L. Wambheim

Carol L. Wambheim, 96, Moorhead, MN, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, October 23, at Arlington Place Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MN. Carol was born on January 29, 1928, in Wolf Point, Montana. She lived most of her adult life in Fargo, ND and for the last 10 years she lived at The Estates in Moorhead, MN. 

Carol graduated from Flathead High School in Kalispell, MT where she was a cheerleader. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, in 1949, with a bachelor’s degree in biology/education. Carol began her teaching career in Grandin, ND, and then taught at L.E. Berger Middle School in West Fargo for 25 years. She is remembered for her great organization, her fun personality, as well as being a “classy dresser” who wore unique jewelry. She was well loved by her students and co-workers. 

Carol married John I. Wambheim on January 30, 1949, and they were married for 65 years until his death in 2014. Together, Carol and John raised four children. 

One especially fun summer, Carol was a waitress at Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park and John was a “Jammer” (driver) of the “Big Red” tour bus. They attended yearly Glacier National Park reunions for the “Jammers” for many summers. Carol and John sang in the Concordia Choir, and music became a central part of their lives and their family’s life. She was active in her church and sang in the choir for many years. She was a member of the Fine Arts Club and a community book club in Fargo. Carol cooked a huge Norwegian Christmas dinner for the residents of the Fargo High Rise for many years when John was the manager there. A highlight for Carol and John was when their son, Bruce, took them to Norway to see the Vambheim family farm and meet their relatives. For four years and until the week before Carol died, she shared a weekly Bible study with her daughter, Joan.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, John Wambheim; her parents, Rev. Amon O. Johnson and Cyrena Blanche Johnson; her brothers J. Paul Johnson of Moorhead, MN, Rev. Amon “Red” Johnson of Pasadena, CA, and her sister, Corinne Eikeland Ehlke of Mpls. MN. 

She is survived by her sisters, Alice (Rev. Rollen) Halvorson and Judy (Ron) Porter; her children, Karen (Neal) Eriksmoen, Fargo, ND, Joan (Greg) Beaumont, Rockville, MN, David Wambheim, Moorhead, MN, and Bruce (Joan) Wambheim, Nashwauk, MN. 

Carol’s great “pride and joy” were her 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Music, laughter, funny stories, time together and her strong Christian faith kept Carol’s life full and rich in blessings. She will be deeply missed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN or Moments Hospice, St. Cloud, MN.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 9, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Her burial will be at a later date at the cemetery in Hatton, ND, where John is buried.