Carol Metzger

Carol Metzger, 77 years old of both Bismarck and Devil’s Lake, passed away early Monday morning, November 19, 2018.   She was born January 16, 1941, in Walhalla, North Dakota to Elmer and Rose (Grandma Tun) LaCroix.   Carol grew up and attended school in Walhalla where she would meet Joe Metzger.  As a young woman while walking with her mom she first saw Joe in his uniform and commented to her mother “one day I will marry that man” Joe and Carol were married May 6, 1961, in Walhalla, North Dakota, where they would begin their 57-year journey together.  They resided in multiple locations throughout the United States until settling in Bismarck where they lived on Avenue B for 42 years.   Their Highland Acres home will always be remembered for the open-door-to-anyone and happy-kitchen that would see numerous memorable Christmas and birthday celebrations as well as hundreds of meals where the meaning of family was clearly evident.  Carol and Joe had one daughter (Lydia Marie, passed away at birth) and four sons, Rocky (Jeanne), Jeff, Steve and Greg.   The love and encouragement she gave to her sons is clearly evident by looking at their chosen callings; an educator, a soldier, a health care professional and a musician.   Her greatest joys were caring for, feeding and spending time with her seven grandchildren; Ashley, Miles, Makenzie, Leif, Ben-Luke, Bryce and Mason, but would also extend to the numerous foster children whom she always considered part of her family and spoken of dearly even in her last days.    Carol was an avid sports enthusiast, competitor and hunter throughout most of her life, playing sports ranging from curling, to volleyball, to softball.  One outstanding moment was her famous single-handed triple play, a feat that was never matched by any of her children.   And no one was ever quicker to find “a spot” way out in that field that didn’t quite look right during deer season. Some of her favorite moments were the numerous get-togethers with her Sisters and Brothers, who she loved dearly and cherished their time together.    As a family unit they are loving, supportive and care for each other deeply. Tudy, Myrna (Leon), Betty, Linda (Robert), Wendy (Don), Mike (Kim), and Dale (Terri) will miss their beloved sister.  Carol adored her time with sisters, brothers, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and all the others who affectionately called her “mom” or “Auntie”.   Carol leaves behind: memories, thoughts and smiles.  She was preceded in death by her Daughter, Lydia; her mother, Rose (Gramma Tun); and Jack Johnson, who she loved and called “Dad” and who she considered an ideal father throughout her life.