Carol Crust
Carol Maxine Crust, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed peacefully at Hills Crossing Senior Living on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by her children. She was 92 years old.
Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and dedicated volunteer in the Brainerd and Upper South Long Lake communities.
Carol was born in New Ulm, MN, to Max and Jessie Palmer and grew up with sisters Verna Ingrassia, Jan Dickerson, and Ann Manzo, and brothers John Palmer and Leo Palmer. She was raised on a farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse in St. George, MN through the eighth grade, walking two miles to and from school each day with her younger siblings. As a ninth grader, Carol became a live-in nanny while attending high school in New Ulm, returning home just once a month to visit her family. She graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in 1951.
A lifelong learner, Carol placed tremendous value on education. In her late 60s, she proudly earned her Associate of Arts degree from Brainerd Community College, fulfilling a personal goal and demonstrating that learning never has an age limit.
Carol met Donald Edward Crust of Brainerd while working as an administrative assistant at the University of Minnesota. They were married on March 28, 1953, and began their life together in Coon Rapids, MN, where they welcomed daughters Deanne and Cynthia and son David. In 1960, the family moved to Luverne, MN, where Carol served for many years as secretary at the First Presbyterian Church. In 1971, they returned to Brainerd to be closer to Don’s family. Together they operated Crust Poultry until the early 1980s. Carol later founded Crust Insurance Agency in Brainerd, and Don later joined her in the business until their retirement in 1999.
Carol believed deeply in hard work, service, and giving back to her community. She served on numerous boards and organizations, including the First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Kitchigami Library Board, the Crow Wing County Genealogical Society, the Bee-Nay-She Bird Club, and many others. She served on the Minnesota Egg Council and was affectionately known as the “Minnesota Egg Lady” for her work educating others about egg nutrition and preparation. As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she supported charitable work alongside Brainerd Masonic Lodge #100 and accompanied Don as he transported countless children and their families to Shriners Hospital for Children in the Twin Cities. Carol was also proud to be a charter member of the Upper South Long Lake Improvement Association, where she passionately advocated for protecting the lake she loved.
Carol’s favorite hobby was birdwatching, and she and Don traveled near and far to add new species to their bird lists. She passed along her love of nature to her children and many grandchildren. As the family’s self-appointed historian, she devoted countless hours to researching genealogy and preserving her family’s history so future generations would appreciate their heritage.
More than anything, Carol cherished gathering people together. She loved opening her home to family and friends, taking pride in creating a warm, beautiful place where everyone felt welcome. She was a gracious hostess whose genuine hospitality made every guest feel at home. She faithfully attended weekly Wednesday breakfasts with her dear friends from Upper South Long Lake, where stories, laughter, and friendship were always on the menu.
Carol had a remarkable gift for finding joy in ordinary moments. Whether noticing that the trees were “fluffing” as spring approached or delighting in time spent with family and friends, she found beauty and hope everywhere she looked. She rarely complained and instead chose to encourage those around her with optimism, kindness, and an ever-present smile. Even during difficult seasons of life, she worked tirelessly to keep her family connected and always put the needs of others ahead of her own.
During the last two years of her life, Carol was a beloved resident of Hills Crossing Senior Living in Nisswa, MN, where her cheerful spirit continued to brighten the lives of residents and staff alike.
Everyone who knew Carol will remember her easy smile and unwavering positivity. Whenever someone asked how she was doing, she would grin and reply, “I can still wiggle, and that’s what counts!” followed by her unmistakable happy little giggle. It was impossible not to smile with her. Her joy was contagious, her encouragement sincere, and her outlook on life an enduring example to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Don Crust; her parents, Max and Jessie Palmer; her brother, Leo Palmer; her grandson, Cory Crust; and her great-grandson, Murdoch Crust.
Grateful for having shared Carol’s life are her daughter, Deanne Crust; her daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Sobering; her son, David (Bonnie) Crust; her grandchildren, Gabe, Jim, Chris, Katie, Anna, and Emma; her great-grandchildren, Jon, Summer, Jazmin, Jessalyn, Ruby, Oliver, Julia, Michael, and Helen; and her great-great-granddaughter, Dorothy, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Carol’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Halvorson-Taylor Life Center, 512 S. 8th Street, Brainerd, MN. A reception will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Upper South Long Lake Improvement Association, P.O. Box 201, Brainerd, MN 56401.
ADVERTISEMENT