Big Lake, MN

December 26, 1951 – January 17, 2022

Carol was a master gardener and loved helping others with her nursing degree but also donated often to Girl Scouts, both Golden Valley and Coon Rapids Humane Societies and The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Preceded in death by her parents Henry and Doris Skaja. Survived by her husband Michael Edward Rittinger, her daughter's Heather Hudak (Rittinger) and husband Dustin Hudak of Andover, MN and Melissa Ann Rittinger of Brooklyn Center, MN. Her grandchildren Jocelynn LaRae Hudak 14, Brady Archie Hudak 13, Tynnleigh Ida Hudak 2, Pyper Rose Hudak 11 months, Zachary M. Jones 19, Omari C. Palmer 13, and Myles D. Smith 10. Her siblings Susan Foster Marker, Daniel Skaja, Janet Mitchell, Linda Sweno, and Brian Skaja. Beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, many longtime friends, coworkers and affiliates as well.

In Lieu of flowers, Please donate in Carol's honor to her two most loved places either the Animal Humane Society or The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Celebrations of her life will be decided at a later date.