Carole S. Pumper

In Loving Memory of Carole Suzanne Pumper (Irwin) Born July 9, 1959 – Minneapolis, Minnesota Resided in Medford, Minnesota

Carole Suzanne Pumper, née Irwin, of Medford, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Minneapolis on July 9, 1959, to Vivian Ruth Irwin (Ebeling) and Woodhull Schenck Irwin, Carole grew up with a heart full of compassion and a gift for bringing people together.

She graduated from Lakeville High School in 1977, then pursued her studies at Normandale Community College, earning a degree in Secretarial Science. Carole’s passion for helping others was evident early in life, volunteering with children with disabilities and later working as an assistant for the Association for Handicap Children during the 1970s and 1980s.

Carole was first married to Richard Howard, with whom she welcomed her first son, Dana Howard (married to Katelyn Howard). Later, she found lasting companionship in her marriage to Stephen Pumper in 1997 and together they had a second son, Joel Pumper (married to Courtney Pumper). Her three grandchildren Aubrey Howard, Bailey Howard, and Winnie Pumper, held a special place in her heart.

She shared a close bond with her sisters, Jayne Vanderwert (Dale) and Cynthia Winter (Dan), with whom she celebrated life’s many milestones and created unforgettable memories.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Ruth Irwin (Ebeling) and Woodhull Schenck Irwin.

Carole found joy in life’s simple pleasures—from gardening, camping, and boating, to canning and preparing home-cooked meals that brought her family together. As a young woman, she loved swimming, tinkering with cars, creating ceramics, and was drawn to social services and community involvement.

Her membership in Business Professionals of America reflected her commitment to professional development.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who truly knew her.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault, MN on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow at Carole’s son, Dana’s home.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.