Carolynn Casavan

Carolynn Casavan, age 79, of Wessington, South Dakota left us Thursday morning, March 15, 2012, at the Good Samaritan Center in Miller, South Dakota, after an extended illness. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 19 at the Wessington Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Wessington Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at the Holt Cemetery in Minnesota on Saturday March 24 at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family may sign Carolynn?s online register at www.remboldfuneralhome.com.
She was born on July 27, 1932 to Clayton and Gunda (Madsen) Thompson in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Rindal Lutheran Church. She received her education in Thief River Falls Schools. She married Bernard (Tom) Casavan and lived in Minnesota and New York before moving to Wessington in 1962.
She was an active member of the Wessington Community; operating the concession stand for over 25 years, held office for numerous community organizations for many years. She loved family camping trips, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, ceramics, flower and vegetable gardens, and canning, for her relatives and friends.
Her fondest memories included her children and grandchildren?s school activities and many sporting events; most of them traveling in the RV with quite a few extras. One highlight was her grandson Joseph winning the State B football championship. The Habitat for Humanity Build at Cheyenne Eagle Butte Reservation with her friend Rita Matthews was also a high point. They worked with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife building 30 homes in one week.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a son, David, three brothers, Adrian (Abe), Erling, and Orrin and two sisters, Joan Robson and Gloria Jean.
She is survived by her husband Tom; five children, Jerry (Andie) Casavan, Indianapolis, Duane (Peggy) Casavan, Stickney, Thomas Casavan, Grasston, MN, Carol Rowen, Wessington, and Kae (Jeff) Larus Rapid City; fifteen grandchildren, Jamie, Kim,& Josh, Joe, Brigitte, & Amanda, Tommy, Elise, & Ryan, Callie Jo, Betsy, & Kayti, Jessy & Tabitha; several great-grandchildren; brothers , Clayton, Harold (Verna) Thompson, brother-in-law William Robson, , sister Elaine (Bruce) Thorstenson, sister-in-law Clare Thompson.