Carole F. Bestland, (“Gramma Carole”) age 78, of Buffalo, died Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by her family, knowing she was loved.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo with Pastor Luke Schmidt officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, St. Thomas, North Dakota. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

Carole Faye Bestland was born on August 7, 1939 in Drayton, North Dakota to David and Anna (Durheim) Anderson. Carole and her family eventually moved to Grand Forks, where she attended school at Grand Forks Central, graduating with the Class of 1957. In 1958, she was united in marriage to Ardell Bestland and they continued to make their home in Grand Forks, while also starting a family. In addition to raising her children, Carole worked at Whitey’s Café and The Spud Bar. She was later re-married to Walter Couture and they resided in Buffalo, where she made her home. Carole began her career with the City of Maple Lake while working at Maple Lake Wine & Spirits. In May of 1982, Carole took over the management position, a position in which she held until her retirement in January of 2016. Carole was lovingly referred to as “Gramma” by many, as she always treated her customers like they were family. She gave abundantly of her time and talents to the citizens of Maple Lake, whether it be providing a word of encouragement, a friendly smile, a meal in need or simply checking in, if she had not heard from them.  After working for the City of Maple Lake for 37 years, Carole was honored in 2016 as the Grand Marshall of the Maple Lake St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Carole enjoyed cooking, baking and tending to her flower gardens. Carole’s greatest enjoyment came from the time she was able to spend with her family and friends, as she treasured the many friendships she formed over the years.

“Many measure life in miles, Gramma measured life in smiles.”

Carole is survived by her children, Karen (Todd) Srur of Fargo, ND, Kardell Bestland of East Grand Forks, MN, Kelli (Tim) Kuball of Rice, and Kristine (Michael) Reid of Monticello; 5 grandchildren, Charity (Ken) Mealman, Destiny (Kris) Spike, Shaun (Samantha) Bestland, Misty Copeland, and Bob (Megan Nagorski) Copeland; 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Darlene Larson of St. Thomas, ND and Robert (Sharon) Anderson of Puyallup, WA; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and her dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, David & Anna Anderson, siblings, MaryAnn Fontaine, Ronald and Richard Anderson, son, Kyle Bestland, and son-in-law, Robert Copeland.

Ken Mealman, Todd Srur, Tim Kuball, Michael Reid, Shaun Bestland, and Bob Copeland will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

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