Carol passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at St. Mary's Medical Center, in Duluth, Minnesota, she was 74 years old.

Carol was born June 23, 1951, to Sulo and Sylvia Laitala and had 5 sisters: Elsie (Melvin), Dorothy (Kenny), Martha (Harold), Marjorie (John), and Joanne (Bob). She was raised in a hardworking family on a farm, helped with chores, and developed a fondness for all animals.

She graduated from Ontonagon High School in 1969 and went to Northern Michigan University where she earned her BSN. She was proud of her achievement as a Golden Wildcat!

Carol worked as a Registered Nurse for 50 years. She worked at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena for 25 years in OB, ER, Home Health and Hospice. In 2001, she retired from nursing when she moved home to Ontonagon, Michigan. Carol decided she wasn't ready for retirement, so she went to work for Polly at Horizon Home Health. After 21 years, she retired a 2nd time from nursing in December of 2023. She spoiled her patients and their pets. She loved each of the nurses, and lovingly called them her "kids," and enjoyed bringing treats to the office even after she retired.

Carol married Gary Lukkari August 28th, 1971. The couple had 3 children: Mike (Darcy), Eric (Annie), and Kristina (Denny).

She was proud of her children, 7 grandchildren: Owen, Samuel, Connor, Lily, Collin, Isaac, and Ella. She enjoyed spoiling everyone in her family, including all of the family pets.

Carol took many pictures of people she loved and captured so many memories. She hunted for beach glass and Yooper light rocks on the shores of Lake Superior in her backyard. Carol loved music of all kinds, but especially listening to her grandkids sing for her. She loved canning and gifting them to people she cared about. You know you were extra special if you got a jar of her coveted thimbleberry jam. Carol was active in her church, Siloa Lutheran, serving on the church council. Most of all, Carol loved quality time spent with her family and friends.

A funeral is planned for Friday, November 7th at 3:00 at Siloa Lutheran Church in Ontonagon with visitation from 2:00-3:00. Live music and celebration of Carol's life will be held at the VFW following the service.

The family wanted to thank the Horizon team who cared for Carol: Polly, Jeana, Booke, Amy, and Jasek. Thank you to the Essentia St. Mary's oncology team for the exceptional care. She had the Taylor Swift suite, and it was so fitting for our rockstar mom. Thank you to the Ashland Tamarack Medical Center and Cancer Center Staff. You cared for her when she, and we, needed it the most.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.