St. George, Utah - Carolyn L. Padratzik, passed away on September 23, 2022, at the age of 91. Carolyn was greeted by her loving parents, husband Raymond "Pat," grandson, Cody Bruno, her siblings, many loved ones, and dear friends, what a joyous reunion. Carolyn was born on September 27, 1930, in Cloquet, MN to Louis and Viola Hanson. She was the second oldest of 4 children, Hilding, Dave and Jo-Ann. Carolyn had many fond memories of growing up in Cloquet, and spending time in her childhood home and neighborhood of Skunk Hollow.

Carolyn married Robert "Punky" Bruno and they had three sons: Bob, Steve and Richard. Robert, Carolyn, and the boys relocated to Carson City, Nevada in the early 1960's.  Robert passed away due to the effects of a car accident, leaving Carolyn to raise 3 boys on her own. She struggled but was always determined to give her boys the best life, there were happy times, and good memories spent in Carson City. The boys often rode their bikes to Virginia City and explored old-abandoned mines and spent a lot of time outside exploring.

Carolyn and the boys moved to Las Vegas, after the passing of Robert, to be close to family. She worked at the Desert Inn Country Club Pro Shop with her mom, Vi.  Vi is the very reason why she met the love of her life, Raymond "Pat."  Pat would say he fell in love with Vi, before he fell in love with Carolyn. Vi was an exceptional cook and baker; she would bake pies and bring them to the Desert Inn Country Club for Pat, where he golfed. Well, his stomach eventually led the way to Carolyn's heart. In 1969, Carolyn and Pat were married, and she was blessed with two bonus children, Carole and Thomas.  Pat and Carolyn later welcomed Kristina Rachel to the world. Kristi kept them both very active and was the light of their life.

Pat and Carolyn were blessed with 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Pat, Carolyn and Kristi moved to St. George, UT in 1974. They built one of the first homes in South Bloomington Hills and fell in love with St. George, especially the people there. Pat and Carolyn were very active in the community events, church callings, scouts, sports at Dixie College, and Carolyn enjoyed refinishing furniture while Pat golfed. They both made an impact in their community and left their footprints in the red sand of Southern Utah.

If you knew Carolyn, you would know she made the best chicken noodle soup. They say chicken noodle soup feeds the soul, and she definitely has fed many souls, through her love, service to others, commitment to family, and being a mom to many. She has always been there, through the joys, disappointments, pain and triumphs.

Carolyn found great interest in genealogy. She was proud of her heritage, both of her parents originated from Sweden. Carolyn was influential in assuring that her family in America remained close with family in Sweden. Those relationships will continue because of her influence. Her dedication has helped family members step on the very ground of their ancestors.

Carolyn's greatest treasure was her family. Carolyn is survived by her children, Robert "Bob" Bruno of Santa Clara, Utah; Steven (Davine) Bruno of Montrose, Colo.; Richard Bruno of Reno, NV; Kristi (Robert) Lasson, of St. George, Utah and Carole Wendel of Las Vegas, NV, nine grandchildren, 16 great-grand-children and 6 great-great grandchildren. Sister-in-law, Marge Malchow and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Carolyn had a strong faith and believed there was life after death. When asked about death she once said, "It's a continuation of life, only in a different form. I think of the transformation of the caterpillar; the different stages it goes through to reach the ultimate, a beautiful butterfly! As our spirits leave our bodies, we too will have our own stages to go through. To become something as beautiful, perhaps the beauty within our own spirits.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond "Pat"; Raymond's son, Thomas; a son-in-law, Ted Wendel; grandsons: Cody Bruno, Terry Wendel; great-grandson, Zachary Pace; brothers: Hilding Hanson, Dave Hanson; sister, Jo-Ann Graham; as well as two nephews: Chris Hanson and Brad Hanson.

Graveside services to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Carolyn Padratzik.

We wish to thank all those who cared for our mom during her last days, IHC Hospice and her caregiver, Lydia Marie.