Carol Jean Moleski (Oas)

February 25, 1935 – November 20, 2025

Carol Jean Moleski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on February 25, 1935, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Emma Walseth Oas and Julius Oas. Carol grew up on a family farm during the challenging years following the Great Depression. These early experiences instilled in her a lifelong sense of hard work, resilience, and financial wisdom—though she was always generous to those she loved.

Carol was the middle of three sisters, sharing a close bond with Joyce and Shirley throughout her life. After losing her father at age 16, Carol and her family moved off their farm and to Menomonie, where her mother became a teacher. Carol graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and began her career as a high school teacher, maintaining friendships with her students for years to come.

Her adventurous spirit led her to San Francisco, where she worked at Kaiser and joined a bowling league—where fate introduced her to Craig Moleski, an engineer. They married on June 18, 1960, in Menomonie and soon embarked on a new chapter in Iwakuni, Japan, where Craig served in the Navy Corps of Engineers. Carol taught English, studied Japanese, and embraced the culture during their three-year stay. Their first child, Julie Renee, was born there, followed by Eric Craig, Kirk Walter, and Michael Charles on their return to the United States.

Settling in Minnesota, Carol thrived as a successful realtor, helping countless families find homes with her trademark energy and charm. She and Craig eventually moved into their dream home on Lake Minnetonka, where they hosted gatherings filled with laughter, boating, and cherished family traditions.

Carol's life was defined by her vibrant personality, strong faith, and devotion to family. She was a proud mother, grandmother to ten, and great-grandmother to eight. Known for her competitive spirit, Carol never let anyone win at cards or sports—whether on the basketball court or the golf course, where she won her last golf tournament at age 82. She loved music, sang in church choirs, and enjoyed bridge, cribbage, and lively conversations.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness, inclusivity, and zest for life. Her legacy lives on in the countless memories shared with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Julius Oas; and her brothers-in-law, James Chaffee and Walter Moleski.

She is survived by her loving husband, Craig Moleski; children Julie (Brad) Greiner; Eric (Hilary) Moleski; Kirk (Paula) Moleski and Michael (Mindy) Moleski; grandchildren Blake (Clare) Greiner, Andrew Greiner, Nicole (Jake) MacNeill, Ellen (Traci) Moleski, Grace Moleski, Brittany (Ray) Seaburg; Hannah (Ryan) Horn, Jared (Emily) Moleski, Cade (Cady) Moleski and Leif Moleski; great-grandchildren – Owen and Vivienne MacNeill, Olivia and Chloe Seaburg, Henry and Hudson Horn, Noah and Sage Moleski; her sisters Joyce Chaffee and Shirley (Dick) Rassbach; sister-in-law Aileen Moleski, and many dear friends.

Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake on January 24th, 2026. Visitation at 10 am, and service at 11 am followed by lunch. In honor of Carol, please wear her favorite color blue, to her celebration of life.

Donations in honor of Carol can be made to Interfaith Outreach in Plymouth, MN. https://iocp.org/

The service can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU-vB5eyMZQ