Carol Ann Duffy, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and several of her children.

Carol was born August 1, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Martin and Mabel (Olson) Yackel. She graduated from Humboldt High School.

On July 23, 1955, Carol was united in marriage to the love of her life, Thomas W. Duffy, and they enjoyed nearly 69 years of marriage, love, memories and laughter together. Family was most important to Carol and her greatest pride was her husband and eleven masterpieces. She leaves a legacy of love, honor, and dedication and was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren’s endeavors, attending countless games, concerts, and events.

Carol and Tom traveled the world together, they opened their home to host foreign exchange students and provided them with their best experience of the USA. They enjoyed international ski races, family trips, and a spiritual pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago Compostela. Carol cared deeply about Mother Earth and was a proponent of caring for nature and all living creatures.

Carol was a gifted athlete. She was the first woman to win the American Kortelopet in its inaugural race in 1973. She was also the first skier to complete the Worldloppet series in February 1980. She was a dedicated runner who completed many races including fun runs, marathons, and hundred-mile relays. She biked the Grandview Firehouse 50 and biked the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial ride around the state in 1998.

Carol loved the Hayward Community, where she has lived since 1961. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and supported many local causes and events. Her unique energy, independent spirit, and loving heart will forever be cherished and remembered.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her eleven children, including Peggy (Bruce) Johnson, Kevin (Michelle) Duffy, Patrick (Shelley) Duffy, Tim Duffy, Colleen (Jimbo) Someck, Tom (Karen) Duffy, Shannon (Chris) Hofer, Brigid (John) Donnellan, Brian (Holly) Duffy, Sean (Rachel) Duffy, Amy (Jake) Checchin; thirty-five grandchildren; thirty-four great grandchildren and many more on the way. She is survived by countless loving relatives and friends.

Carol is welcomed into heaven by her parents, Martin and Mabel Yackel, as well as four brothers, Roger, Kenneth James, Richard, and Norman.

The family would like to thank Water’s Edge for their compassionate care and support for Carol during her stay over the last several months.

A Visitation will be held at the Hayward Funeral Home on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Visitation at 10:00 AM, Service at 11:00 AM, followed by Interment at Greenwood Cemetery.

Last Update: Jul 22, 2024 3:38 pm CDT