Carolyn Jo Ecklund passed away unexpectedly at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the age of 63 years, 10 months and 7 days.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo.
Carolyn Jo Ecklund was born in Grand Forks Deaconess Hospital on Saturday, April 14, 1956 at 10:32 p.m. to Dewey & Verna (Schey) Rood. She was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls and confirmed in Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Thief River Falls, the church her family helped found. She attended elementary school in Thief River Falls and then Lincoln High School where she graduated from in 1974.
Carolyn started out her lifelong career in the medical field working first as a Candy Striper at Northwest Hospital in Thief River Falls and after she graduated working at Valley Memorial Nursing Home, attaining her CNA.  Carolyn was united in marriage to Danny Ecklund on January 27, 1977 at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Thief River Falls. The two made their home in Hallock for a year where Carolyn worked at the Baptist Nursing Home. She and Dan moved to Hayfield while their new house, in Kasson was being built. Eventually they moved into their new house all the while her working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester for several years.
Due to Dan’s work, Carolyn and he relocated to Winnebago and then to Austin for a brief period. They then moved to Grand Forks, ND for a year where she started her 33-year career at Valley Eldercare, eventually settling in and raising their family in Oslo, where they have made their home for the past 34 years.
The hobbies that Carolyn enjoyed were vast and included knitting, cooking, sewing, riding four-wheeler and motorcycle, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. Most importantly, she cherished every single second spent with her family, especially her husband Danny.  Carolyn’s caring, adventurous, fun loving, and exceptional giving spirit will always be loved and remembered.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Danny of Oslo, children: Chris (Karla) Ecklund of Barnesville, Melissa (Miguel) Torres of Pelican Rapids, Angela (fiancé Brent Chromey) of Fargo, ND, Lindsey (Nick) Valgren of Ft. Worth, TX; mother, Verna Rood of Thief River Falls; grandchildren: Daniel and Maximus Ecklund, Rayna and Tyler Ecklund, Adriana, Karina, Miguel Jr. Torres, Sydney and Alivia Chromey, Colten and one more on the way, Valgren; brothers: Mike (Diane) Rood of Crookston, Wayne (Jodi) Rood of Hudson, WI; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her father Dewey Rood; her son, Danny Ecklund Jr.; sister, Verjean Hanson; brother in law, Tim Hanson; father and mother in laws, Oscar and Lillian Ecklund.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Karlstad. An online guest book is available at www.collinsfunerals.com