Carole Nicholson

Carole Nicholson, 77, of Marion and formerly of Sioux Falls passed away on April 13th at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Thursday, April 17th, at First Church of God in Marion. Visitation will begin at 10 am on Thursday at the church prior to the Funeral Service. 

Carole Jean Nicholson 

 October 10, 1947 – April 13, 2025

Carole Jean Nicholson, 77, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, South Dakota. Born on October 10, 1947, in Scotland, SD, to Wilford and Eunice (Gillette) Hanson, Carole brought a kind-hearted personality and warmth to everyone she met throughout her life.

Growing up on a farm north of Olivet, SD, Carole developed a love for the simple joys of life and the cheerful disposition that would define her character. She attended Olivet Public Schools for her elementary education and graduated from high school in Menno, SD.

After finishing high school, Carole began her career as a Driver’s License Examiner for the State of South Dakota, a role she held for six years while living in Scotland, SD. Her career path later took her to Sioux Falls, where she worked for three years in the billing department of an Allergy Clinic. Carole found her true calling in the healthcare field, dedicating 25 years to North Central Heart before retiring in 2010. Following her retirement, she rejoined the State of South Dakota as a part-time Driver’s License Examiner.

Carole’s life took a beautiful turn when she met Larry Nicholson at Celebrate Church, where she also re-committed her faith through baptism in June of 2014. The two fell in love and were married on July 3, 2014. Together, they built a life of love and faith, admired by family and friends alike.

Carole had a passion for travel. Taking memorable trips to Florida to visit her uncles, shows in Branson, MO, and spending two winters in southern Texas and five winters in Mesa, AZ (home of one of her favorite stops, Organ Stop Pizza). She also loved rummage sales and found tremendous joy in spending time with Larry as their car made frequent stops at every rummage sale they came upon.

Carole leaves behind her devoted husband of 11 years, Larry Nicholson; her beloved sister Garnet Stern and husband, Gillas of Sioux Falls, SD. She will be deeply missed by her two nephews, Scott Stern and wife Staci, as well as Brian Stern and wife Tamara, all of Sioux Falls.

She also leaves behind her three stepdaughters, Twila (Troy) Hansen, Lisa (Bob) Stromberg, and Andrea (Tim) Staples, along with 10 step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Carole’s legacy continues through her five grandnieces—Amber (Trent) Arlint of Sioux Falls, Hillary (Christ) Christopher of Sioux Falls, Kaitlyn (Trevor) Reinesch of Tea, SD, Morgan (Nathaniel) Auer of New Hope, MN, and Kristin (Drew) Neuville of Plymouth, MN and one grandnephew, Nicholas (Emily) Stern of Plymouth, MN. She was also blessed with great-great nieces Scotti Arlint, Haven Christopher, Nora Neuville, Sutton Stern and great-great nephews Braxton Arlint, Carter Christopher, and William Auer.

Carole found immense joy in her retirement, delighting in watching her many nieces and nephews participate in various sporting activities. Her love, kindness, and unwavering support will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Carole will be remembered as a woman of grace, heart-warming personality, and generosity. She was a loving wife, sister, aunt, stepmother, and great-aunt whose memory will be cherished forever.