Carol Lee (Ludemann) Auen

Mass of Christian Burial for Carol Lee (Ludemann) Auen, age 87, of Bemidji, Minnesota formerly of Norfolk, Nebraska, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Norfolk. Reverend Vincent Germace will be celebrant, with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Carol Lee Auen on July 18, 2026, leaving a legacy of laughter and kindness.

Carol was born August 23, 1938, in Butte, Nebraska, the daughter of William and Evelyn (Pfeifer) Ludemann. She grew up on the family farm and graduated in 1956 from Butte High School. Carol attended Wayne State Teachers College and taught in Boyd County, in a one-room schoolhouse where she taught all grade levels. She then moved to Sioux Falls SD and attended Stewarts School of Hair Styling and worked as a cosmetologist in a hotel in Sioux Falls.

Carol met Leland Auen in Sioux Falls, and they married on May 21, 1960, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Butte. Most of their married life was spent in O’Neill, Nebraska where they raised six children and ran a local restaurant called Lee and Carol’s Specialty Hut. Later in life, she and Leland moved to Norfolk, Nebraska where Carol owned and managed a successful consignment store for fifteen years. She loved to tell stories about her store.

Carol found her greatest joy in her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteering at her grandchildren’s school. Carol loved playing Bingo and Rummy, especially with her grandchildren whom she usually beat. She also loved watching Nebraska Cornhusker football games on Saturdays.

Carol spent the last few years in Bemidji, Minnesota, close to family and residing at Windsong Assisted Living. She was so happy with the wonderful staff and friends.

Carol is survived by her children, Valerie (Dan) Olson of Bemidji MN, Natalie Auen of Sioux Falls, SD, Greg (Nancy) Auen of Decatur TX, Sandy Spady of Omaha, NE, and Scott (Kim) Auen of Shrewsbury, MA; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; son, Chuck; husband, Leland; brother, Bill Ludemann; and nephew, Steve Ludemann.

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