Carol "Jean" Jean (Johnson) Campbell

Carol Jean Campbell (Johnson), 83, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, in Fargo, ND. Jean was the loving wife of Paris Campbell, Jr., and devoted mother to Greg Campbell, Tim Campbell (Kathie), and Nicole Holscher (Keith). She was adored by her grandchildren, Calan Rogotzke, Isabel Lundberg-Holland (Ben), Kade Holscher, Dane Holscher, and Claire Holscher; as well as her great-granddaughter, Blaire Holland. Jean was cherished by her brother, Charlie Johnson (Nancy); sisters-in-law, Cathy Campbell and Marcia Dahl; she cared deeply for her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jean was a wonderful friend to many including Carolyn Larsen, Mickey Reichenbach, Ginger Kemp and the Kemp family, and Mike Bridges.

Jean was welcomed into the world on January 21, 1942, in Duluth, MN by her parents Aileen (Sala) and Hugo Johnson. Throughout her life Jean was surrounded by love. As a young child she and her mother lived with her maternal grandparents in Minneapolis while her father served in WWII. Jean cherished her time with Grandma Sala, remembering her fondly as the “best grandma ever.” She aimed to replicate that bond with her own grandchildren.

Jean’s relationships with her parents laid the foundation for her own approach to marriage and family life. She had a special bond with her mother, often confiding in her as both a parent and friend. Jean’s love for her father was equally deep. These early experiences shaped her into the loving wife, mother and grandmother she became.

As a young girl, Jean spent weekends at the family cabin on Gun Lake in Aitkin. Fishing with her father at the “crappie hole” with her bamboo pole and building forts by the lake ignited a lifelong love of the outdoors. 

In the late 50’s the family moved from Richfield to South Saint Paul, marking a new chapter in Jean’s life. Always stylish, Jean arrived at her new high school in a pristine hoop skirt with a fashionable scarf tied around her neck looking as though she just left the set of “American Bandstand.” A classmate quickly noticed that Jean did not fit in. He thought, “this girl is in trouble,” and befriended her. Jean and Paris Campbell soon fell in love and spent the next 68 years together.

Jean and Paris married in 1962 while Paris was stationed in Key West, FL. Their marriage began a series of adventurous moves to San Diego, CA, Providence, RI, and eventually back to Minnesota to raise their family. Jean dedicated herself wholeheartedly to motherhood and supporting her husband. She excelled in many aspects of this work.

Jean was a marvelous cook. Her recipes are sought after and any deviations from her methods are promptly rejected. Meals were more than delicious food, though. Family dinner served as a platform for interesting conversations, storytelling, learning life lessons, and laughter.

Jean found delight in her roles as homemaker and mother. She created a warm and welcoming environment for her family, always greeting them with her beautiful smile and affectionate hugs. She managed many home administration and parenting tasks, enabling Paris to pursue financial prosperity for the family. She was consistently present to celebrate her children’s milestones and accomplishments and provided comfort during times of need. Jean frequently expressed pride in her children’s achievements and character. She never stopped worrying about her kids.

Jean and Paris embarked on an entirely new adventure in their early forties when they purchased a rundown farm near Arlington. With no experience in farming but a willingness to learn, Jean dove into rural life raising cattle, caring for horses and pets, and completely transforming the farm. At the same time, Jean ran a successful furniture re-upholstery business with her dear friend, Ginger.

This entrepreneurial spirit continued when Jean and Paris bought and operated Brindley’s Harbor Resort on Leech Lake. What was meant to be a 10-year bridge to retirement ended up being a 26-year endeavor with their two sons. Jean cultivated relationships with guests and extended her knowledge of homemaking into the business helping to make the resort a beloved destination.

Jean was a natural kinkeeping force - her warmth, curiosity, and humor drew people in - whether it was hosting gatherings with friends and family or making holidays extra special. Jean was not afraid to voice her opinion but welcomed other perspectives as well. She maintained strong connections with loved ones throughout her life.

Jean was creative and passionate. She loved to read, sew, knit, cross-stitch, quilt, and tend her garden. Most mornings you would find Jean drinking coffee or tea while working on crossword puzzles or her cherished Sudoku. In the afternoon she loved to sit on her deck and enjoy the sunshine with a glass of wine in hand. 

Jean’s adventurous spirit and love for life were reflected in her many trips with family. She often reminisced about hiking in Glacier National Park with her boys and Paris, annual ski trips to Colorado, houseboating on Rainy Lake, summers at the cabin with Ginger, vacations to Spain and Hawaii with Paris, a European tour with Nicole, and most recently, a family trip to Roatan. She relished these experiences and passed on her love for fun and friendship to her children and grandchildren.

Jean will be remembered most for her deep love for others, her humor, her infectious smile, and her warmth. She leaves behind a legacy of adventure, creativity, and family devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. We love and miss you, Jean.

A mass of Christian burial in Jean’s honor will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Walker, MN, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Coffee and donuts to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a small donation in Jean’s honor to a charity of your choice.

Jean’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

 https://nicoleholscher.smugmug.com/Jean-Campbell 

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