Obituary of Carol Helen Watson

Carol Helen Watson 1933-2024 Carol (Melbostad) Watson, passed away peacefully on October 15. She was born In Forest Lake, MN on March 10, 1933. She was the daughter of Loren and Helen Melbostad. She graduated from Wilson High School in St. Paul in 1950 where she participated in choir and was a flag twirler. She worked her Summer in Yellowstone, then a switchboard operator for American Can Company. Carol was married to Jerry Omholt in 1954. Carol Attended the Helen Stefan Model and Finishing School in St. Paul which led her to being a runway model at department stores in downtown St. Paul. She and Jerry celebrated the birth of their daughter, Kathleen on Nov. 16, 1955. Carol continued doing modeling for numerous products in print ads. Once, was with her baby daughter for a brochure for an infant seat! Lubbock, TX then became their new home for only a short while until they divorced. Carol and Kathleen moved back to St. Paul. In 1957, she was hired for WCCO’s 4th season for their television show BOWLERAMA. She became the Princess of Prizes. The show aired live on Sunday afternoons so Carol’s mother and daughter were always at home watching her! Travel was a burning hope for Carol. She had wanted to be a stewardess to be able to travel. Carol then remarried. She and Duncan Watson added 2 more children to the family.. Tim and Julie. Duncan owned a bowling alley in Golden Valley where Carol instructed children on how to bowl and ran a Junior bowling league. In the off season, numerous Minnesota Twins players bowled there so she had an opportunity to meet them. Jim Kaat seemed to be her favorite along with his wife Julie! She even arranged 2nd baseman Bernie Allen to visit Kathleen’s 3rd grade class for an afternoon of learning and playing. That was a great day for everyone! 1967 came and Duncan was transferred to Chicago. Carol flew in to house search at the time the city was on fire due to the riots at the Democratic convention. She did NOT want to move there, but they did. Carol drove a school bus and loved all those kids. Her own kids had to walk to school as they were not in the same district! Travel was still on her mind. In 1973 she took pilot lessons and got her license. She flew whenever she could afford it, or fly with a friend who had a plane. She loved it! Divorce happened again. In 1980 she was blessed with her 1st grandchild. Then, she was struck by cancer in 1981. She beat it and moved on to becoming a travel escort for senior tours. She interacted with all her passengers so well. She then added scouting tours for the company. She had the opportunity to take her mother with her as she hadn’t been out Minnesota until she moved to Illinois. That was such a great time for BOTH of them. Her love of sewing, decorating, art and writing was always evident. She never stopped. Singing with Sweet Adelines for at least 6 years gave her great pleasure as she did it with Kathleen. Plus, she helped create all the costuming for the competitions. As time went on, she had 6 grandchildren who she adored. And to date, 6 Great-grandchildren, the last she was never able to meet. He just turned 6 months, but she loved seeing his pictures which always brought tears to her eyes. TRAVEL was STILL in her wheelhouse. She traveled the world with her great friend Marianne. She visited her father’s family homestead in Norway, as well as France, Hong Kong, Taiwan along with many other destinations and numerous cruises. One was the final voyage of the QE2 (Queen Mary) from New York to Southhampton, England. She lived an awesome, fulfilling life for sure. Preceding her in death were her parents Loren and Helen, daughter Julie Chandler, brother Larry Melbostad, and both of her husbands, Carol is survived by her children Kathleen (Kevin) Rittgers, Timothy (Judy) Watson. Grandchildren Matthew (Amber) Domoradzki, Sarah (Josh) Domoradzki- Hoffenkamp, Jennifer Green, Anna (Tim) Chandler, Caitlin Chandler and Tiffany (Ernie) Baldwin. Great grandchildren Chase and Madison Picha, John, Emily and Henry Domoradzki and Hunter Baldwin.

A memorial service to celebrate Carol's life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 800 Waconia Parkway N. Waconia, Minnesota 55387 on Saturday, December 14th, at 11:30 am, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 am.  A luncheon will follow the service, where friends and family can continue to share memories of Carol.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol's name can be made to Children's Home Society & Lutheran Social Services. Carol's mother fostered many newborn babies and Carol assisted her. It was a memorable time for both of these women.

MAIL:  

1605 Eustis St., St. Paul, MN 55108

ONLINE:  

https://fosteradoptminnesota.networkforgood.com/projects/155395-foster-adopt-minnesota