Age  86, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in South St. Paul.

Left to miss her laughter, shenanigans, cinnamon rolls, vats of spaghetti sauce, holiday outfits, crocheted dish cloths, afghans, and guidance are her family and friends.

She is survived by four children, Shelli (Paul) Beck of South St. Paul, Tony (Cris) Kallas of Eagan, Kristy Greene of Mankato and Randi Kallas of Rochester; five grandchildren, Jason and Jeff Kallas, and Emily, Alice and Grace Beck; and three step-great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Gavin and Wyatt; brother Mike (Janet) Brenna of Pelican Rapids, Minn.; sisters-in-law Bernita Kallas and Dorothy Brenna; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin “Red” and Alice Brenna; her husband, Sam Kallas; brothers Carl and Don Brenna; and sister-in-law Bernice Brenna.

Carol Ann Brenna was born Dec. 18, 1930, in South St. Paul to Red and Alice Brenna. She married Sam Kallas on her 18th and golden birthday, Dec. 18, 1948. As a couple, Carol and Sam raised their family in South St. Paul, becoming very involved in the schools and youth athletics, especially VFW baseball. Their home was always open to family, extended family, old friends and new friends. They always had room for one more at the table, or in the car (or truck) for a ride to whatever game was going on. There was one more water fight to be had, one more bottle rocket to shoot.

Always strong-willed and independent, Carol rebuilt her life after Sam’s unexpected death in 1993. She traveled, spending nearly a month in Hawaii and yet never once stepping on a beach (“It’s just sand and water!”), reveled in her grandchildren’s accomplishments (“They are such nice boys, they are such sweet girls”), continued to boss her kids around (“I’m just helping!”) and maintained a full life as long as she could.

Alzheimer’s disease robbed of her ability to drive, cook and bake, remember names, faces, places, and so many other things, but it never took her sense of humor or independence. In her final days, as she lay with her eyes closed, she would smile at stories we told of her antics, and she’d give her special hand gesture that actually meant “I love you.”

She will be greatly missed, but she will be lovingly remembered.

The funeral will be at 11:00 AM Friday, August 25th, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 5th Avenue and Douglas Street, South St. Paul, her home church of more than 60 years. Burial will be alongside Sam at Oak Hill Cemetery in South St. Paul. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 AM until the time of the service.