Carol Ann Hlavka, the daughter of Chester and Hazel (Schleif) Robertson was born December 29, 1935, in Rockford, MN, at home, the first of 3 children. She was baptized at home December 30, 1935 as she was born pre-maturely at 3 ¼ lbs.
Carol spent her early years in Rockford, Twin Valley, Fergus Falls, Hoffman and Minneapolis. Then about 1947 they moved to Elbow Lake, MN, where she was Confirmed in Christ Lutheran Church and graduated from high school in 1953.
She graduated from a 7-month secretarial course at the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis in 1954. In 1954 Carol went to work at King Midas Flour Mills in Minneapolis as a secretary/bookkeeper, later becoming secretary to the President of King Midas. When the company was changed to Russell-Miller, King Midas, Division of Peavey Company, the President became Executive V.P. and she was his Executive Secretary and also for Vice President, Sales.
Carol and Ray Hlavka were married June 30, 1962 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. In 1969 Ray and Carol left their jobs and moved to Kasson, MN, where they purchased the Ben Franklin Store. Mark and Nancy were both born in Rochester, MN. May 1974 they sold the store and bought a Vending Route in St. Cloud, MN. April 1976 they sold the Vending Route and moved to Tracy where they bought the Variety Store and a Ben Franklin Franchise. July 1993 Carol and Ray closed out the store, sold the building and retired.
Carol died January 18, 2020 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.
There is no Memorial Service planned at this time.
She is survived by her husband Ray and two children: Mark of Duluth, MN and Nancy and David Knutson of Marshall; grandchildren Noah, Madison and Braeden Hlavka of Duluth, MN; step-granddaughter Caila Hlavka of Texas, Mackenzie Knutson of Marshall; brother Curtis and Candace Robertson of Ada, MN; nephews and niece.
She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Hazel Robe.