Garden City, MN - Carolynn Elizabeth Kraus, 75, of Garden City, passed away on July 1, 2026, at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Private burial will take place at Lake Crystal Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Shriners Children's Twin Cities.

Carolynn was born on September 16, 1950, in Mankato to William and Catherine (Witty) Neilsen. After graduating from Lake Crystal High School, she attended Mankato Area Vocational School. She spent many years working in administration for the Fifth Judicial District Court in Mankato while proudly raising her daughter, Amy.

Carolynn was a devoted and encouraging mother who never missed an opportunity to support Amy. Whether cheering from the sidelines at sporting events or encouraging her educational pursuits, Carolynn reminded Amy that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. Her unwavering love, confidence, and guidance remained a constant throughout Amy's life.

On August 31, 1991, Carolynn was united in marriage with Mark Kraus at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal. Together they embraced each new chapter of life with enthusiasm and adventure. As Mark fondly recalled, every decade of their marriage brought new experiences—from traveling and camping in national parks to opening a greenhouse on the farm and a floral shop in Lake Crystal. They later enjoyed wintering in Florida, scuba diving throughout the Caribbean, and becoming competitive ballroom dancers in the Twin Cities. Carolynn also had a lifelong love of animals and found great joy in rescuing and caring for cats.

Carolynn will be remembered for her kindness, adventurous spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and compassionate heart.

She is survived by her husband, Mark; her daughter, Amy (Vic) San Miguel, Clearwater, FL; her siblings, Ernest (Barbara) Neilsen, Mankato, Mary (Arnie) Billmark, Milaca, William Neilsen, Louisiana, and Edward Neilsen, Mankato; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Catherine Neilsen.