Obituary: Carol Jeanne (Berglund) Jaakola

Carol Jeanne (Berglund) Jaakola, 80, passed away Feb. 28, 2023. She was born March 3, 1942, to Albin "Nubs" and Katherine (Sheehy) Berglund. Carol was the oldest sibling to Kathy and Joanie.

Carol grew up in Cloquet on the Fond du Lac Reservation, where she was an active enrollee member. She attended Cloquet Public Schools until age 16, earning her GED diploma. In February of 1957, her path crossed that of Edward Jaakola. Their separate paths quickly became one, and they tied the knot on Oct. 24, 1958. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, where she earned her associate of arts degree as well as a certificate to teach Anishinaabe studies, which she utilized in teaching Cloquet school district students the Ojibwe language and culture. Carol coordinated the GED program for the Reservation for several years.

She retired from Cloquet High School in 2001, then devoted her spare time to the Carlton County Historical Society, and the Fond du Lac Reservation Historical Society, which she started herself. Carol's true passion lay in her culture and its history. She was always working on something to do with genealogy or Fond du Lac history.

She loved the outdoors and wildlife. When wasn't enjoying nature firsthand, she was tuned in to the "National Geographic" TV show. She and Ed shared this interest, and enjoyed traveling together. Throughout their 62 years of marriage, Carol and Ed managed to travel to 34 of 50 states, Alaska being a favorite.

The home they built on Cedar Lake was where Carol and Ed raised their five children, and later on some of their grandchildren. The extremely family-oriented person she was, Carol always spent time with her loved ones, and made her house feel like home to all who walked through the door. Chances are she even took a picture - or 100 - of you. Whether with her disposable camera or phone, she loved capturing memories.

Carol was extremely selfless, and had a heart of gold that always pushed her to go above and beyond for everyone. Through years of teaching and being an active community member, she touched the hearts of multiple generations of people. Her comforting, kind and considerate personality will be missed by all that knew her.

Carol is survived by son Edward (Wendy) Jaakola; son Dean (Lori) Jaakola; son Darryn Jaakola; daughter, Lorri (Chris) Antus; son Dwayne (Rita) Jaakola; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joanie (Mike) Kunze and Kathy Peil; and countless extended family and friends, all she considered her own.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Jaakola, and parents, Albin "Nubs" and Katherine (Sheehy) Berglund.

A Celebration of Life was held March 4 at the FDL Cultural Center.

Pine Knot News, March 10, 2023