Caroline A. Whitney, 87

(Formerly of Blue Earth) – Caroline A. Whitney passed away with family by her side, Thursday March 14, 2024, at Global Pointe Senior Living in Golden Valley. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 15, 11 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth with Rev. Lee Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, April 14 at Patton Funeral Home and continue one hour before the service at the church. There will be a private family burial prior to the service at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

Caroline was born May 7, 1936 in Guckeen to Lawrence and Lillian Arndt. She was a Huntley High School graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree at Mankato State University in nursing. She worked as an RN and Director of Nursing at United Hospital District for 28 years. Later in her career, Caroline returned to Mankato State University and earned her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. For the next 16 years, she served her community as a FNP at United Clinics of Faribault County. Caroline was passionate about treating, advocating for and educating her patients with the goal of achieving lifelong wellness.

On Sept. 14, 1957 she married the love of her life, James Whitney. They were happily married for 62 years. Together the couple farmed outside of Blue Earth and enjoyed their winter home in Mesa, Arizona. She was a member of Hope United Methodist Church. Caroline supported her daughters and grandchildren by attending their many school activities, music programs and sporting events. In her spare time, Caroline loved baking, traveling and reading. She also enjoyed gardening.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters: Karna (Bob) Opeka, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, Cathryn (Rod) Virnig, of Golden Valley and Kristin (Eric) Lawatsch, of Neenah, Wisconsin; grandchildren: RJ (Deirdre) Opeka, Natalie Opeka, Dan Virnig (fiancée Alyssa Runquist), Ryan (Sofia) Virnig, Nate (Rosi) Virnig, Jordyn (Alex) Albrecht, Jared, Jenna and Brady Lawatsch; great-grandchildren: Emilia, Carter and Willa Opeka, Maya Virnig and Elena Virnig; sister, Connie Cook, brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Diane Whitney, sisters-in-law, Glenda Arndt and Nancy Arndt; as well as many other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Albert Rooker, brother-in-law, Henry Cook, brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill Arndt, Allan and Jenny Arndt, Max and Dorothy Arndt, Jack and Dottie Arndt, Murray Arndt, Clyde Arndt, Jerry Arndt, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Walter and Evelyn Whitney, Wayne and Helen Whitney, William Jr. and Betty Whitney; and grandson, Bradley Virnig.

Rest in peace Caroline. We love you deeply. You will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Blue Earth United Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

PO Box 160, Blue Earth, MN 56013.