On a Christmas morning in the 1950s, Carol Jean Reuter was born to Monica (Dugas) and John Renie Reuter, Jr. in Bemidji, Minnesota. The labor pains started during Midnight Mass. As it is told, the night was beautiful and warm for a December night. Carol already had two brothers, Jim and John. Mary Jo, Marlene, Tom and Michelle also joined the family in the next 15 years.

Carol grew up in Cass Lake, enjoying the freedom and innocence of childhood and many friends. She played piano, enjoyed ice skating and rollerskating, was in the high school play "Life With Father" , was a percussionist with the high school band and German band, sang alto in the high school choir, and was on the staff of the high school paper. She graduated from Cass Lake High School in 1969.

Carol and a high school classmate, Bradley Lynn Boyd, were married and had three children, Brent , Laura and Aimee. Brad went to school to become an auto body repairman while Carol was a stay-at-home mom except when she worked at her parents’ grocery store and a few other part-time jobs. Carol and Brad were separated and divorced in the late 1970s. Carol attended the Minnesota School of Business and after graduation went to work for county and then state government.

Carol married Jim Trudeau in the early 1980s, adding four more children to the family, Kelly, Kari, Kristi and Dan.

On February 27, 1987, Brad Boyd died of cardiac arrythmia at Unity Hospital, Fridley. It was a devastating blow for the family and Brad remains in the hearts of his children and many others.

Carol and Jim have since retired and are enjoying life, being very involved with their family. They have eleven grandchildren who are very important in their lives.