Carol Ann Eklund

Carol Clarkson Eklund passed away in Phoenix on April 1, 2022; Phoenix had been her home for 55 years. Carol was born Feb 5, 1943 to Frances (Tanner) and Roy Clarkson in Norfolk, VA while her father served in WWII as a naval gunfire officer. After the war, the family moved back to Butte county South Dakota and lived on their sheep ranch north of Belle Fourche. Carol graduated from Marshall High School in Minneapolis in 1961 and from the University of Minnesota in 1966. She married Ronald Eklund in September 1965 She traveled to Korea while Ron served in the military. Their son Erik was born in 1968 after they moved to Phoenix. After her divorce, Carol was with her long-time partner Steve Edgell until his death in 2005.

Carol and her sister Kay Musil established Montessori Children’s Home at 516 Bethany Home Road, a Montessori school which just celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 5, 2022. Carol enjoyed the celebration even though she had not taught there in the last few years due to health complications. She spent the last few years living in an assisted living home across from her Phoenix residence.

Carol is survived by her son Erik and his daughter Angelita, sisters Kay (Dick) Musil, Phoenix and Mary (Kevin) Buchholz Belle Fourche, brother Ferman (Barb) Clarkson, Belle Fourche, her “twin cousin” Karen Clarkson, Spearfish, nieces Katherine Musil Mitzel (Todd), Phoenix, Sarah Clarkson (Brian), Tucson, AZ, Hilary Buchholz (Hunter), Belle Fourche, Megan Clarkson Dacar (Caleb) and nephews Derrick Buchholz (Pam), Belle Fourche, Aaron Musil (Christine), Phoenix, Thad Buchholz (Shannon), Belle Fourche, Scott Buchholz, Spearfish, CJ Musil (Nicole), San Francisco, Ian Musil (Jen) Clarkdale, AZ, David Clarkson, Belle Fourche