Ladies and gentlemen, Carol Abeld has left the building.
After nearly 55 years of dedicated service to RiverView Health, Carol has officially retired—closing the chapter on what is likely the longest tenure of any team member in RiverView’s history.
What began as a summer job at the hospital switchboard grew into a lifelong career. After 13 years connecting calls and people, Carol transitioned to Patient Financial Services, where she spent more than four decades serving as a patient account representative. Along the way, RiverView became more than just her place of employment.
“It’s been my home away from home,” she shared in her final week. “The RiverView ‘family’ has always been there for me. I have always been happy and proud to say I work at RiverView Health.
“Over the years, I have learned many jobs and taught many coworkers. You never stop learning.”
Reflecting on her time at RiverView, she added, “A coworker once told me I should have kept a book of all the wonderful people I’ve worked with over the years. I wish I would have.”
Over five decades, Carol witnessed tremendous growth and change throughout the organization. “I’ve gone through three building projects, from the three-story white brick building to the now sprawling Crookston campus and satellite clinics,” she said. “The growth in medical staff, specialties, and high-tech treatments has been great for our region.”
Her connection to RiverView extends beyond her professional life, as well. “My family and I have used RiverView’s services for so many important moments—births of newborns, deaths of loved ones, surgeries, and emergency transfers. The care and knowledge of our medical staff have always been outstanding.”
Those family members include her husband, James; sons, Steven and Brian (Lauren); daughter, Julie (John); grandchildren Audrina, Jordan, Derek, and Henry.
As she steps into retirement, Carol looks forward to simple pleasures—sleeping in a little and embracing whatever each day brings.
There will be a retirement open house for Carol at the Crookston Inn North Shore room on Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m.
