Service Information
Caroline Black, age 82, of Fairfax, passed away Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, January 20, 2025, from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Obituary
Caroline Anne Black was born on May 30, 1942, in Newfoundland, Canada. She was the daughter of Alexander and Dorothy (Cox) Specht. Caroline was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed into the Christian Faith. She received her education in Hector and was a graduate of the Hector High School Class of 1960.
On November 5, 1960, Caroline was united in marriage to LeRoy Black at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. After their marriage, the couple farmed together in Wellington Township, Renville County, Minnesota. Caroline and LeRoy were blessed with four children, Christopher, LeeAnn, Jennifer and Corey. They shared almost 61 years of marriage when LeRoy passed away on September 8, 2021.
Caroline was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax.
Caroline enjoyed kayaking, camping, fishing, walking in the woods, and going on drives to look for deer. She loved anything outdoors and on the farm. Caroline cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
When she needed assistance with her care, Caroline became a resident of the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center and passed away there on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 82 years. Blessed be her memory.
Caroline is survived by her:
Children, Christopher (Lori) Black,
LeeAnn (Randy) Ristow,
Jennifer (Bruce) Starkson, and
Corey (Brenda) Black;
12 Grandchildren, Shawn (Erica) Black, Amanda (Al) Frank, Kelsey (Justin) Fredrickson, Angela (Nick) Novotny, Chris Ristow, Kara (Tim) Gillard, Josh Ristow, Carley (Jarret) Byrnes, Karina (Michael) Helsper, Justin Klabunde and special friend, Kailee Bertrand, Nicholas Black and Reese Black;
Grandson-in-law, Jake Grunewald;
14 Great-grandchildren;
Siblings, Michael (Carol) Specht, Carl (Joyce) Specht, Jerry Specht, Maureen Smith, Patty Jo (Bruce) Jacques, and Tom Specht;
Sisters-in-law, Bert Ahlrich, and Sharon Rogotzke;
Brother-in-law, Larry (Helen) Black;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Caroline was preceded in death by her Parents, Alexander and Dorothy Specht; Husband, LeRoy Black; Granddaughter, Morgan Grunewald; Brother, Shawn Specht; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Ted and Bertha Black; Brothers-in-law, Arden and Marilyn Black and Jim Ahlrich.
Wendy strain says
Such a special lady. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Deb Johnson Johnson says
I’m so sorry to hear of this. Many special memories of Caroline! She will be dearly missed.
Corinne Hable says
My sympathy to the family of Caroline. We had so many fun times growing up together- Caroline was always the spark to our adventures! She will be missed by many. Blessed be her memory.
Ruth Benedict says
My deepest sympathy to family and friends, She will be dearly missed.
Shane says
So sorry to hear this today. We will be thinking of you all.
Will never forget her smile and the hair!!
Love, Shane and Lisa Specht
Connie Moll says
Condolences go out to Carolines family. It was such a pleasure to work with her at the Christmas Haus. Such a joy! Connie Moll
Diane Liebl says
Deepest sympathy to family
Jan Klabunde says
My Sympathy to the family. God will give you strength during this sad time . Sending prayer to the family Take care and sending my love to the family also. Carolina was special
jerry rupiper says
To Corey n Brenda. Nick an Reese
Sorry to hear of your mother passing
God welcomes her n all your prayers for eternal Rest! Hugs
Dale Boyum says
Our sympathy to your family during this time. I had a nice conversation with your mom this past summer when I was at her house. She will be greatly missed.
Harlan & Debi Helgren says
Dear Black family, we are so surprised and saddened to hear of Caroline’s passing. We had no idea she was having health troubles. Caroline was a very sweet person and very friendly also. We enjoyed her so… our deepest sympathies and prayers for the family.
Harlan and Debi Helgren
Val Roepke Uecker says
My Sympathy to the family. I worked with Cal (as we called her) at the Fingerhut office in Gaylord MANY years ago. I always enjoyed her…she was very pleasant and alot of fun. Prayers for peace and comfort to the family. Blessings to all.
Jesica (Jesye) Specht says
I’m so heartbroken. Loved my aunt Caroline very much. She was such a special, beautiful, spunky lady that always took time to talk to you and really know you, like you were the only one on the room. Will miss her. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for you all. Much love.
Judy Berdan Jacobs says
My sympathy to the family. LeRoy and Caroline lived across the street from my parents when they were first married. Chris and LeeAnn, I doubt you would remember but I used to babysit the two of you. Your Mom was always so kind to me and I thought she was so amazing. I have some wonderful memories.
Rest in Peace Caroline and peace to the family.
Leo & Judy Voss says
Our Condolences to the Specht and Black Families!!
Leo and Judy Voss, Mankato, MN.
Barbara Schmidt says
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of a truly gracious lady.
We enjoyed many seasons singing together in the Southwest Area Lutheran Chorale.
Arlene (Hoffman) Broussard says
Peace to your wonderful family while you lay Caroline to rest.
I went to school and rode the bus with Caroline, She had many
school friends and enjoyed making people laugh. She will be missed
and I am sorry I will not be there to show my respects.
Brian Severts says
So sorry for your loss of Caroline. She was a force! Always on the go with the best of attitudes. I enjoyed my many visits with her as she went to and fro from the farm picking fruit, mowing, and just enjoying our beautiful countyside. A wonderful spirit.
Mary Schweiss says
I can not believe that my dear friend from my Fairfax days is gone. We had so many wonderful times together. I sometimes stopped in on my way back from visiting my sister….I regret thinking I did not have time to see if she was home this past summer. May all your memories help to heal in the days ahead. May she rest in peace. With sympathy, Mary Schweiss, Mankato MN
Melanie Cook says
Caroline was always so friendly. I worked with her at AUI in Sleepy Eye where she worked seasonally a couple of years. Whenever I saw her at a sporting event she would say hi.