Carol Marie (Ernst) Brentano passed away at her home in St. Paul surrounded by her family on August 20th, 2025.
Carol was born to Norman and Frances Ernst on October 20th, 1938, in Newberg, Oregon. She grew up on the family farm in St. Paul with her older sister Maxine and younger brothers Richard and Michael. She graduated from St. Paul High School and then attended the Providence School of Nursing graduating with a Bachelor of Science and becoming a registered nurse.
Carol began working as a nurse in Newberg and dating the young man who lived next door to her when she was growing up. She married Ed Brentano on New Year’s Eve, 1960. They began their family and their own farm on land they purchased just outside of St. Paul. The farm grew and the family grew to include six children: John (K’Lyn), Kathy Wilmes (Greg), Tom (Janis), Dan (Tani), Pete (Wendy) and Peggy Schindler (Kevin). She was the grandmother to 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with two more on the way.
Carol worked as a nurse until her third child was born and then she ran the office for the farming operation while raising the family. She kept her nursing license and got her EMT intermediate certification. In 1974 she was one of the founding members of the ambulance service provided by St. Paul Fire District. She dedicated nearly 30 years to the volunteer ambulance and made an impact on many people’s lives when they called 911 for help.
Carol was also involved in the St. Paul Catholic Church, St. Paul Parochial School, St. Paul Rodeo, and numerous other community activities in St. Paul. She taught firstaid/cpr classes and facilitated two blood drives each year for the St. Paul community. Carol also loved to mow the lawns at her home, tend to her rose garden, play the piano, take trips to the beach and spend time with her family. Her faith in God, family and community never wavered.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Frances, her husband Ed, sister Maxine, daughter-in-law Janis, grandson Ryan Wilmes, and great granddaughter Rowe Soumokil.
Rosary will be Tuesday August 26th at 10am followed by funeral mass at 10:30 at the St. Paul Catholic Church. Graveside service at the St. Paul Catholic Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at the St. Paul Jaycees bullpen.
Memorials in her honor may be made to the “St. Paul Fire Department Charitable Contributions – Ambulance Fund”, or the “St. Paul Parochial School Endowment Fund”.