Todd Richard (TR) Caron

Todd Richard (TR) Caron, age 76 passed peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. His suffering from lung cancer and complications of COPD and emphysema ceased and he is at peace.

Todd was born in Minneapolis on September 25, 1949, just four years after the end of World War Two. He was a baby-boomer baby and the first-born of eight children to Richard (Dick) and Doris (Soule) Caron. His early years were spent between Minneapolis and southern California, with the family finally settling in Faribault in 1960 where he lived until his death.

Todd’s early years were filled with chasing down siblings and summers spent toiling away on an uncle’s farm. He attended Faribault Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1967. The highlight of his high school years was being on the wrestling team. In his senior year, Todd qualified for the state wrestling tournament. Unfortunately, his hard work and championship dreams were shattered by a knee-crushing toboggan accident.

After high school, he bought his dream car: a gold and black 1968 Camaro. Sadly, the Camaro was sold when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He saw battle in Viet Nam (1969-1970), returning home to a country inflamed by protests against the war. Also, the deal he made to buy back his Camaro was not honored and he lost this car, replacing it with a Mustang, many speeding tickets, and an ultimatum from his mother to “sell that fast car.” The wounds of war take years to heal.

Todd’s livelihood came from his career as a master carpenter. His skills and quality workmanship were in demand across the country, including at the Mall of America and by friends and family.

In 1982, he married Diane Bloomquist. Even though they later divorced, she brought two children into his life: LaShell and Jason. They blessed him with five grandchildren: Madison, Abby, Dylan, Layla and Azalea, and one great granddaughter, Kehlani. They became the light of his life and made his heart happy.

Todd knew the importance of making and keeping close friends, some for over 60 years. The “boys” could be found Friday or Saturday afternoon playing poker in Todd’s basement man-cave and every summer fishing in Canada and northern Minnesota. Todd also loved golfing and bragged about having gone to a course at least 125 times in one season.

Being the eldest of eight children had its challenges but also its blessings. Todd was a role model for his siblings; always there to help when their parents needed care. In 1981, he was devasted by the death of his beloved brother, Scott. He supported brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children and grandchildren whenever a crisis demanded—generous with time, money, and especially, with words of encouragement.

Todd’s failing health in his waning months challenged his stamina and his outlook on life. He bravely fought every health battle that came his way, wanting to remain as independent as possible. At the end, he learned to graciously and gratefully accept assistance from friends, family and hospice care.

In the words of Muhammad Ali, “It doesn’t matter how many times you are knocked down, it’s how many times you get back up.” No matter what trials and tribulations presented themselves, Todd always got up to face the day ahead. He often said, “Let’s see what today brings.” His strength in facing adversity is inspirational.

Todd is preceded in death by his mother, Doris; his father, Richard; and his brother, Scott. He is survived by his siblings Jan (Dan) Studer, Lori Parkos, Dana Caron, Craig Caron, Rick (Sandy) Caron, and Bill Caron, along with his children, grandchildren, great granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory with Bernadette Tatge officiating. Interment will be held at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Friday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to Allina Hospice in memory of TR.