Caroline Wilma Vatndal

Caroline Vatndal passed away on September 20, 2023 at her apartment at the Pillars of Mankato under hospice care.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  Burial will be in Butterfield Cemetery. Please share a memory of Caroline with her family, view her video tribute, and watch her service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Caroline Wilma Vatndal was born on May 21, 1935, to Askild and Alma (Keil) Vatndal. She grew up in Butterfield, MN and went on to nurses’ training at St. Mary’s Rochester and Bethesda in St. Paul.

Caroline worked as a nurse in Mt. Lake, MN, Colorado, and Kentucky, before moving to Arizona, where she spent most of her life and nursing career. She furthered her education to become one of the first nurse practitioners in Arizona. She worked primarily in Indian Health Service in Arizona, on two reservations, and at Phoenix Indian Hospital. She loved her nursing career and made many friends throughout the years.  

Caroline loved travel and adventure. She traveled throughout the world, with some highlights including visits to relatives in Norway and Germany, as well as adventures in Australia and Machu Picchu, Peru. She loved learning about other cultures and had a keen interest in current events. She loved her family and kept in close touch even when living far away. She also loved the dogs she rescued over the years. She enjoyed hobbies of jewelry making and reading. Caroline especially loved her roles of being a nurse, aunt and friend. She had a strong Christian faith and believed in social justice causes. While she endured many health struggles during the last years of her life, she kept her strong, independent spirit to the end. We are grateful for all she taught us, and the dear memories she leaves. We also are grateful to the many health professionals who eased her burdens and provided compassionate care to her.

She now travels on to be reunited with her parents and brothers, Harold, John, Roland and James, along with many friends who have gone before. Holding her close in memory are her nieces and nephew, Carol (Bob) Nelson, Steven (Anita) Vatndal, and Shirley (Sam) Murray; along with great-nephews and great-niece, Randy, Scott and Chad Nelson, Jacob and David Vatndal, and Bethany Murray.