Carole (Layden) Wiss

Carole R. Wiss, 83, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 28th, 2026.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in her hometown of Browns Valley, MN, on Monday, July 27th at 10:00 am with Father John Paul Knopik officiating.

Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

Carole Rose (Layden) Wiss was born on April 29th, 1943, in Sisseton, SD, to Robert and Leona (Wolter) Layden. She attended school in Browns Valley and graduated in 1961. Following graduation Carole moved to Minneapolis and was employed by Ed Phillips & Sons and Dayton's for a number of years.

Carole married Thomas Wiss in January of 1967 and had three children, Elena, Michael, and Matthew. Together the family started their life in NE Minneapolis, later moving to Columbia Heights and finally settling in Harris, MN. Carole was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary and enjoyed participating in local bowling leagues. Carole was a homemaker when her children were young and later worked for Chisago County and Isanti County, where she retired in 2008.

After retirement Carole purchased her home in Grand Rapids, MN, where she kept herself busy as a member of several groups including the North Star Women's Club and Loon Country Quilters. Carole spent much of her free time sewing and quilting treasures for those she loved and spent countless hours at quilt retreats where she made many cherished friends over the years. She enjoyed the peace that came with living life up north, her flowers, the wildlife that visited her yard, feeding and watching the birds, visiting the local gun range and spending time with her family and friends. Carole was a faithful catholic servant and spent time as a member of the CCW (Council of Catholic Women) and volunteered her time at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was an active member.

Carole was the world's greatest mother, grandma and great-grandma and a friend to so many. She always braved the long journey to be present for her grandchildren's events, great-grandchildren's milestones and family gatherings. She deeply loved, supported and gave her family and friends the quiet strength and presence they will miss every day.

Carole is survived by daughter Elena (Gary); sons Michael (Diane) and Matthew; her grandchildren Cody (Bethany), Conner (Mackenzie), Madison and Braeden; 4 great-grandchildren Emma, August, Kenton and Leon; sisters Janet, MaryAnn and Linda; brother Jim (L.E.); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Leona; her grandson Cole; and nephew Greg.

"If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me. Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there's an ache within my heart that will never go away." Delores M. Garcia