Carol VanBeek

Carol Walterena VanBeek, age 87, of Hollandale, Minnesota, passed away on March 8, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Born on February 18, 1939, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Harry and Anna (Dykstra) VanderHorst, Carol graduated from high school in Blooming Prairie. She married Philip “Phil” VanBeek on June 14, 1957, in Hollandale, and together they raised four children.

Carol spent two decades as a caregiver at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea, where her dedication and compassion touched many lives. She found quiet joy in word searches and bird watching, and cherished her weekly gatherings with friends at the Tuesday morning coffee club. She and Phil especially treasured their summers at the family cabin on Pleasant Lake near Hackensack, where they created lasting memories through camping, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling in their younger years.

She is survived by her children, Becky (Daniel) Cole of Standish, Maine, Linda VanBeek of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Cindy (Michael) Severtson of Austin, Minnesota, and Jeff VanBeek of Austin, Minnesota; grandchildren Danny, Jr. (Amanda) Cole, Jake (Robyn) Cole, Rhonda (Shay Gilpatrick) Cole, Dalton (Marley Cardona) Dahl, Ethan (Alyssa) Severtson, Anna (Zach) Jacobson, Madison VanBeek, Olivia VanBeek, Spencer VanBeek, and Ellie VanBeek; great-grandchildren Dustin (Maria) Cole, Derek Cole, Kylie Cole, Brycen Cole, Zilphy Avery, Keegan Avery, Alexis Cole, Rhylan Delano, Austin Cole, Jaxon Cole, Elijah Cole Gilpatrick, Chandler Severtson, Ophelia Severtson, and baby boy Bowie; great-great-granddaughter Emmy Cole; sister-in-law Alice VanderHorst of Owatonna, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anna VanderHorst; her husband Phil in 2019; her granddaughter Kelley Cole; and her brother Wayne VanderHorst.