Carole Charest

Carole Charest, 91, of Battle Lake, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Battle Lake. There will be a visitation on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 2-3 p.m., with a prayer service at 3 p.m., at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake. Burial will take place after the prayer service at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery in Battle Lake.

Carole Elizabeth Voxland was born at home in McIntosh, Minnesota, on June 2, 1935, to Clarence and Ellen (Zakrison) Voxland. As her parents celebrated her arrival, they also celebrated the end of the Depression Era. She attended school in McIntosh, graduating in 1952 at the age of 16. Carole saw a future in nursing so she applied to Deacon’s Hospital School of Nursing in Grand Forks, North Dakota, graduating in 1955, with a Registered Nursing degree.

Carole married Vern Charest on June 12, 1955. Vern was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After his discharge, he was employed as a Standard Oil agent for over 38 years. Vern passed away in 1994 at the age of 67.

Carole worked at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls from 1955-1979. She then worked at the Battle Lake Care Center until her retirement. She then became a foster grandparent at Battle Lake Elementary School part time for 7 years, and she very much enjoyed her time with the children.

Her biggest joy was her family- two sons and their wives, Michael (Lori) and Larry (Kim); 4 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

Carole moved to the Battle Lake Good Samaritan in January 2015, where she lived until her passing on September 27, 2026.

Carole is survived by her sons, Mike (Lori) Charest, Larry (Kim) Charest; grandchildren, Chelsey (Derek) Tysdal, McKenzie (Ryan) Lee, Samantha (Wes) Green, and Martin Charest; along with 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ellen; husband, Vern; and sister, LuEllen.

Blessed be the memory of Carole Charest. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Battle Lake Public Schools.