Carol Van Winkle, 86, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Dougherty Hospice surrounded by her family.

Celebration of Carol's Life Service will be 1:00 pm Friday, August 15 at First Lutheran Church Christ the Victor Chapel, 327 S. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.

Carol Annette Freitag, daughter of Albert and Leah (Link) Freitag, was born February 2, 1939 in Scotland, SD.  She graduated from Aberdeen Central High School and went on to get her business degree at Northern State University. Carol lived a life marked by selflessness, love, strength, courage, and joy. She was a devoted mother and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew her.

She loved tending her garden, needlework, and spending time in nature. She also looked forward to going to yoga everyday, meeting with her sorority group, playing cards, and watching birds. She had a special place in her heart for her children, her pets, and friends in which she loved to entertain. She was an avid volunteer at First Lutheran Church as well in her community.

Her faith, strength and courage carried her through life's challenges, and her kindness brought light to those around her. Carol's legacy is one of love for her family, her friends, her pets and the simple pleasures of life.

She is survived by her 4 children, Mark, Beth (Fin), Charise (Charlie) and Deborah, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and sister Eunice Stearns. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Leah Freitag, her husband Donald, her son Brad and daughter Carol Ann, and a sister, Ramona "Meme" Freitag.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, 3720 E Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.