Carol Callahan (Baudisch)

Carol Oralyn Callahan, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Carol was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond Alexander Baudisch Jr., and her second husband, Richard Dan Callahan.

Carol was born in Williston, North Dakota on December 17, 1928. She was the sixth child of Oscar and Clara Mobraten. By 1939 the family had relocated for a better life in California. As a teenager during World War Two, Carol would receive pen-pal letters from soldiers overseas, one of whom she fell in love with and married on April 19, 1947. 

Ray and Carol began their lives together and their first son, Robert Charles was soon followed by a second, Gary Michael. Fourteen years later they adopted a daughter, Carolyn Rae. Ray and Carol were married for 45 years until his death in 1992. 

Carol met Richard while she was working at Kinko’s Office Supply in 2000. He was the father of one of her co-workers and she agreed to go on a blind date with him. They hit it off instantly and knew they wanted to share their golden years together. They married on December 29, 2001, and enjoyed many adventures together until his death in 2007. 

A career woman her entire life, Carol had an affinity for secretarial and office work. Her superb typing and shorthand skills earned her prominent positions in her field. She later parlayed these skills and interests in the graphic arts, printing, and typesetting industry as a business owner and support staff member. 

Outside of work, Carol enjoyed many pastimes including playing cards, camping, going to Las Vegas, and cooking. In addition to these hobbies, many know Carol as an accomplished league bowler, a sport that she participated in from her early days of marriage to Ray all the way past the age of 90. She also loved to celebrate her Norwegian heritage as a member of the Sons of Norway where she spent many years as the publisher of the monthly newsletter. Most famously, Carol was known near and far as the best baker of the Norwegian bread called lefse. Carol would tell of her lefse journey as she perfected her “My Mother’s Lefse” recipe through much trial and error. Carol’s lefse became a staple at all family gatherings including weddings and funerals. Eventually, she even turned her lefse making into a rewarding business venture as holiday orders for this traditional food came in steadily. 

Carol’s biggest passion in life was her family. Being the youngest of six provided her with the opportunity to be a loving Aunt Carol to many. Her immediate family continued to grow and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her life became the source of her joy. As her months and days came closer to an end, she loved to spend her time counting them and making a list of all of their names.

Here is your list mom, with love - 

Stephanie Marie, Elisabeth Leigh, Tiffanie Jane, Ashley Daniele Rae, Marshall James, Alexander James, Conrad Raymond, Eduard Louis, Leilani Love, Zachary Dane, Garrett Robert, Alexis Rose, Mackenzie Jane, London Juliet, Zeppelin Gray, Bailey Elisabeth May, Everett Gene, Wyatt Alexander, Louis Akio, Lynn Raymond, Layland Marshall, Sophie Love, William Reid, Remi Love, and Royce Toan.