Carroll Stimson

Carroll Laverne Stimson passed away at his home Wednesday evening, November 24, 2021 at the age of 91. He was a longtime resident of the Pine River area living on the same homestead that he purchased from his parents in the early 50's. Born to Lyle and Violet Stimson, he lived in Minneapolis until 1958 when he moved to Pine River. As a young man he attended Dunwoody Technical School for welding and Northwestern Bible College. Upon his move to Pine River, he discovered wild rice as it grew naturally in Minnesota lakes and rivers and decided it might be a way to supplement his income working as a welder. Beginning with harvesting and selling the rice green, he gradually designed a processing business, constructed his own buildings and designing the machinery. Doing his own marketing, he eventually produced the "Carroll's Wild Rice" label which is sold nationwide. As a custom processor for other growers, he was well known and respected among the wild rice Minnesota and Canadian community throughout his 50 years in the business.

Along with his work interests, Carroll participated in boating and water skiing with longtime friends Bob and Doris Heath of Pine River. Later he became a licensed pilot which he used to survey wild rice crops. His longtime passion for music and the church was evident early as a single young man when he accompanied a traveling evangelist and provided the music for revival services singing and playing his trumpet and guitar. He continued this ministry for the Lord in the Pine River area teaching Sunday school and playing music in the church.

Many of Carroll’s lifetime friends have passed including his parents Lyle and Violet formerly of Jenkins, his sister Gloria Norman formerly of Pine River, sister Grace Ade formerly of Seattle and sister Nancy Timothy formerly of Oregon. Some folks in the area still remember this family of five sisters and parents who lived in the Pine River area a short while. His beloved wife, Ethel Boquist Stimson passed away July 4, 2018. His granddaughter, Sharon, passed away May 1989.

Carroll is survived by son, David Stimson, daughter, Jane Nagel, son-in-law, Bill Nagel, all of Pine River; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Lyla Tutt and Maxine Mottram, of the greater metro area.

Graveside memorial held November 28 for immediate family.