Carol Elizabeth Feste

Carol Elizabeth (Thompson) Feste, age 96, died peacefully on April 2, 2025, at her daughter's home, surrounded by love. A longtime resident of Fargo, Carol lived a full and generous life defined by family, faith, and friendship.

She is survived by her daughters, Kristiana Nelson (Rick), Kari Cusack (Jeff), and Kirsten Feste Taylor (David); her beloved grandchildren, Ian and Drew Taylor and Hailey and Devon Cusack; her grand dogs, Palmer, Izzy, and Cooper; and her sister Nancy Froseth (Kent), along with many dear extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her sisters, Marjorie Elhard and Mary Lou Rodvold; and her parents, Elmer and Aurora.

Born on August 8, 1928, in Grand Forks, Carol was the second of four daughters born to Aurora (Egeland) and Elmer Thompson. She cherished her childhood with her sisters on the family farm near Bygland, MN—always referring to home as "two miles east of the Bygland Lutheran Church." After attending Country Day School 222 and graduating from East Grand Forks High School in 1946, she earned her BA from Concordia College in Moorhead, in 1950.

At Concordia, Carol met Charles Feste when she cleverly invited him to help build the homecoming float—a simple invitation that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Married on October 10, 1953, Carol taught business and accounting in Halstad and Oslo, MN while Charlie attended law school. They later settled in Fargo, where they raised their three daughters: Kristiana, Kari, and Kirsten. Carol was proud of her Norwegian heritage, reflected in her daughters' names as well as the home and lake
décor.

Deeply rooted in her community, Carol was active in the Fargo Junior League, her PEO Chapter (she was a "Golden Girl"), C400, and several bridge and dance clubs. At First Lutheran Church, she sang in the Cathedral Choir, cooked for and supervised the Lenten lunches, and found enduring friendships through her Abigail Circle.

Carol's warmth shined brightest in the kitchen. Whether hosting cocktail parties and family dinners, packing cookies for college kids, or delivering a meal to someone in need, food was her "love language." Her daughters often "volunteered" her for treats at school, which she accepted with her signature grace and a smile. Her flair for entertaining earned her the unofficial title of "The Martha Stewart of Lake Melissa." She was the consummate hostess.

Carol was also an entrepreneur. She co-founded Krismar, a specialty gift and china store with locations in Vail, Colorado (where the family skied) and later in Fargo's Block 6.

Travels took her to Ireland, Scotland, England, Norway and Germany, as well as to Singapore and China with her sister Nancy. At age 90, she celebrated her birthday, experiencing Paris and southern France with her sister and her three daughters.

Carol brought style—she always "looked the part"—laughter, and kindness to whatever she did. She had a wonderful sense of humor, delivering well-timed one-liners when you would least expect them. Mostly, she was a thoughtful friend—always sending cards or little treats to let people know she was thinking about them. Carol will be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on August 1 at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, with visitation one hour prior. To honor Carol, feel free to wear "Feste blue." Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers, to First Lutheran Church of Fargo, Concordia College or the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.