Obituaries are courtesy of Mueller-Bies Funeral Homes, located at 2130 N. Dale St., Roseville, Minn.

Carol J. Schanks (1940-2026)

Carol J. Schanks, née Killen, of St. Paul, Minn. passed away peacefully on Monday. She was 86.

Schanks was born on Jan. 4, 1940 in St. Paul to John and Mabel (Olson) Killen, the seventh of eight children. She graduated from Washington High School before meeting the love of her life, William Schanks, through her brother. The two were married in 1960 and built a loving family together, raising three children.

Schanks devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mother before beginning her career at Lyngblomsten Care Center in 1975. After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2005 at 65.

In retirement, Schanks enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Arizona, New York and many other destinations to visit family and spend precious time with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader who especially loved Danielle Steel novels and was often reading two or three books at a time.

Above all, Carol will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, gentle spirit and unconditional love for her family.

Schanks was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings Jim Killen, Pat Schueller, Dee Krenn and Bob Killen.

She is lovingly survived by her children Theresa Baralatei, Kat (Joe) Balsimo and William (Sharon) Schanks Jr., her grandchildren Sarah, Christian, Noelle, Joe, Kharmia, Sam and Christopher, her great-grandchildren Haylee, Lily and Vita and siblings Maureen, Mike and Peg, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.