Carol Yvonne Evans Graner

Carol Yvonne Evans Graner of Plainview, MN, passed away on April 19, 2026, at Family Roots Eldercare.
Carol was born on February 16, 1933, on a farm near Eyota, MN, to Ivan and Florence (Selke) Evans. She attended Little Valley School, Plainview High School, and Rochester Community College. She worked as a dental assistant and later as a receptionist for the Olmsted County coroner.
In 1953, Carol married Edwin Graner. Together, they farmed near Plainview while raising five children and building a life grounded in family, faith, friendship, and community service. She developed many lasting friendships through the Mrs. Jaycees, Hi-View Homemakers, 4-H, the Plainview-Elgin Saddle Club, and local garden clubs.
Carol had a special passion for gardening. She became a Master Gardener and Certified Horticulture Judge and, in 2010, received the Minnesota Horticulture Society's Distinguished Service Award. She enjoyed exhibiting arrangements at local county fairs, teaching horticulture to 4-H groups, and serving as a board member for both the Rochester and Plainview Garden Clubs.
A devoted member of St. Joachim Church, Carol taught preschool, coordinated Sunday school, led marriage encounter and bible study groups, and was active in Catholic Daughters and the quilting group.
The family extends special thanks to Family Roots Eldercare for their compassionate care in recent years, especially Cailey and Brittney. She was also deeply grateful to those who provided rides over the years-you were an immense blessing.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her parents, Ivan Evans and Florence (Selke) Evans; and her brother, Archie (Audrey) Evans. She is survived by her children: Aleta (Kevin) Abbott; Gary (Kristi) Graner; Lonna (Dan) Schwirtz; Valerie (Dale) Wolf; and Erin (Dale) Schumacher; as well as 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held Saturday April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Friday April 24, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home (57 3rd Street SW, Plainview) and one hour prior to service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. Joachim Church or Pleasant Valley Cemetery.