Carol McDonald

Carol Mae McDonald, 87, of Bismarck, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Baptist Health and Rehab, where she had been a resident since June 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, August 6th, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will be held Saturday, August 8th at 1:30pm at the Hannah Cemetery, Hannah, ND.

Carol was born on March 14, 1939, to Emil and Helmi (Parvey) Haapoja at their home in Rock Lake, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm, attended Brian Country School through elementary school, and graduated from Rock Lake High School.

She married Robert "Kayo" McDonald on September 9, 1956. They lived and farmed near Sarles until 1961, when they moved to Hannah, where they owned and operated McDonald Oil Company until retiring in 1994.

Carol was the bookkeeper for the family business and also worked as a teacher's aide at the local school. She was a Past Worthy Grand Matron of the Eastern Star and a member of the Homemaker's Club and Ladies Aide. In her younger years, she enjoyed curling and snowmobiling.

Carol and Kayo loved traveling, a passion she continued for many years after his passing. Her favorite destination was Fort Collins, Colorado, where she enjoyed spending time with her daughter Brenda.

In 2013, Carol moved to Bismarck to be closer to family and settled into a maintenance-free apartment. She was more than ready to say goodbye to lawn care and snow removal. She quickly found a place she loved, with an active group that played cards, worked on puzzles, and enjoyed potlucks and socials that kept her busy. She loved having family and friends around and always had a cold drink and snacks ready, because any hour could be made into a happy hour!

Carol was incredibly proud of her children and the lives they built, but becoming a grandmother for the first time brought her a special kind of love and happiness that only grew with the arrival of four more grandchildren.

Carol shared a unique bond with her first grandchild and only grandson, Tyler. From the moment he was born, he became an immediate family favorite. She delighted in watching him grow into a kind, devoted father and treasured every moment they shared. We find comfort imagining the joy of their reunion in heaven.

Grandma always looked forward to Tahnee's visits to Bismarck. They loved heading uptown to play bingo and try their luck at pull tabs. Somehow, Grandma always seemed to have the winning touch.

Brannigan was thrilled when Grandma moved to Bismarck. The two spent countless afternoons and evenings together, enjoying happy hours, trying new restaurants, and simply making memories. Grandma's home quickly became a gathering place, where she welcomed Bran's friends with open arms for card games, lefse-making lessons, backyard barbecues, and holiday celebrations.

Grandma adored her "little girls," Delaney and Taryn. They were her babies, and she cherished every moment with them. Even as adults, she still called them her "little girls." She loved watching all of her grandchildren grow, supporting them from afar, spoiling them whenever she could, and making each of them feel deeply loved.

As the family grew, her lap and her heart always had room for her great-grandchildren. Whether she was reading stories, sharing cuddles, sneaking them candy, or simply spending time together, Grandma made each of them feel like the center of her world. Her love and warmth will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to experience them.

Carol is survived by her three children: Brenda (Jay) Buttram-McDonald, Terry (Robyn) McDonald, and Barb (Doug) Coyle; four granddaughters: Tahnee (Mychael) Ruud, Brannigan Hamrick, Delaney Coyle, and Taryn (Mitch) Zachman; nine great-grandchildren: Evelyn and Chet McDonald; Mylo Ruud; Harper, Ames, and Lux Hamrick; and Weston, Blake, and Dillon Zachman; sisters-in-law Estelle and Vonda Haapoja; along with many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kayo; her grandson, Tyler; her sister, Marlene Jorgenson; and her brothers, Kenny and Bill Haapoja.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in Carol’s honor to the Hannah Cemetery Fund.