A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Carol Marie Bretzman, age 94, of Lakefield, will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield, with a time of visitation and gathering from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Delafield Township.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations are preferred.

Carol Marie (Trosin) Bretzman was born on February 2, 1932, to Martin and Vivian (Brown) Trosin in Heron Lake Township, Minnesota. She attended Lakefield Public School and graduated with the class of 1950. Carol was raised in the Lutheran faith and was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakefield.

Carol was united in marriage to Vernon Bretzman, and together they were blessed with two sons, Joel and Aaron. Throughout her life, Carol devoted herself to her family and home as a homemaker. She was a caring and giving person who was always willing to help others and serve wherever she could. Her generous spirit and genuine concern for those around her touched many lives.

Above all else, Carol cherished her family. She found great joy in bringing everyone together and especially loved hosting holiday meals in her home. She treasured the laughter, stories, and memories shared around her table. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she loved watching them grow and spending time with them.

Carol also enjoyed following Minnesota sports. One of her favorite pastimes was listening to games, and she was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan. These simple pleasures, along with time spent with family, brought her much happiness throughout her life.

Carol’s greatest legacy is the love she gave to her family. She will be remembered for her kind and giving heart, her willingness to help others, her love of family gatherings, and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her.

Carol passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Sanford Medical Center in Jackson.

Carol is survived by her son, Aaron (Holly) Bretzman; grandchildren, Alex Bretzman, Brody Jensen, Kayden (Bryce) Elmore, Avery Jensen, and Logan Bretzman; great-grandchildren, Tate Elmore and Hayes Elmore; brothers, Paul “Butch” (Ruth) Trosin and Gary (Diane) Trosin; sister, Linda (Gene) Takkunen; sisters-in-law, Nancy Bretzman and Maxine Bretzman; brother-in-law, Dick Erdman and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Bretzman; son, Joel Bretzman; parents, Martin and Vivian Trosin; five sisters; and six brothers.

Carol’s life was defined by love, family, faith, and service to others. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who knew and loved her.