Carol Jean Hatfield, 95, passed away peacefully in her home, with her family at her side on Saturday, December 13, 2025 – exactly as she wanted it.  Carol was born on June 21, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN, the youngest of 3, to the late Floyd and Margaret (Stasel) Andreas.  One could say Carol's life truly began when she married the boy next door.  On December 12, 1948, she started a 75 year-long adventure with Brian Hatfield.  Carol made Brian wait a few hours past what would have been their 77th wedding anniversary for her to join him.  Carol was defined by her family, everyone counted – each birthday remembered – every Christmas planned.  When her children were young, Carol and Brian loved family adventures.  Everything from camping and enjoying the experiences in the outdoors, to international travel.  She and Brian enjoyed Canadian fishing trips until they were in their 90's.  Covid was the only thing that finally stopped their trips.  Carol embarked on making a dream come true.  In 1986, with Brian's help and support, she started an arts and crafts, handmade gift shop on the shores of Lake Superior.  "Loon Landing" was a huge part of Carol's happiness in her retirement years.  "Loon Landing" was the perfect retirement project for Carol – the store was a half mile from their retirement home on the lake.  In 2010, Carol and Brian moved to the New London area to be closer to their daughters.  Spending time with and being involved in their grandchildren's activities was a mainstay for both Carol and Brian.  They were "The 4-H grandparents".  Many of the 4-H'ers simply called her "Grandma".  When Brian passed away in February of 2024, Carol's wish was to remain in her home.  The many people that stepped into Carol's life to make that happen will not be forgotten.  Carol's final months and days were made flavorful and sweeter with these people in her life.  Carol loved them like family.

Carol is survived by her children Michael (Karen) Hatfield, Cheryl (Keith) Rykken, Nancy (Brian) Djerf, Daniel (Alana) Hatfield and Ann (Rick) Wehrle; 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded by her parents and Brian.

A Celebration of Life for Carol will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at New London United Methodist Church, in New London.  The visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.