Carol "Renee" Pflanz

Carol “Renee” Pflanz, age 73 of Arlington, died on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. Visitation will be on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. at the Kolden Funeral Home in Arlington, MN. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Arlington Public Cemetery, Arlington, MN.  Lunch to follow at the Arlington Haus. 

Renee was born on February 23, 1953, in Minneapolis, to Harris and Elzebet (Gostonczik) Amblie. She grew up in Edina, MN, and graduated from St. Margaret’s Academy in 1971. She began her college years at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA, and later continued her education at Mankato Technical College, where she proudly became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Throughout her career, Renee cared for countless individuals with unwavering compassion and dedication. She worked at St. Peter Nursing Home, Arlington Good Samaritan, and Glencoe Long Term Care before joining Lakeview Clinic, where she remained until her retirement in 2021.

Renee’s greatest joy in life was her family. She married David Pflanz, and together they were blessed with three wonderful children. Though they later went their separate ways, Renee devoted herself to raising Maggie, Laura, and Josh with endless love and strength. Her joy only grew with the arrival of her grandchildren, Parker, Paige, Madison, and Spencer, who lovingly gifted her the name “Gramcracker”. She was their biggest cheerleader, always surrounding them with her love and unwavering support. Renee was also a proud Vikings and Twins fan and enjoyed cheering on NASCAR races. Her heart was enormous, her spirit gentle, and her kindness unforgettable. She touched the lives of everyone who met her. Blessed be her memory. 

Renee is survived by her partner, Dan Tostenson; children, Maggie Pflanz of Watertown, MN; Laura (Jeff) Tuchtenhagen of Henderson, MN; and Josh Pflanz and his special friend, Michele Croat of Green Isle, MN. Grandchildren: Parker Pflanz and his special friend, Kaili; Paige Pflanz and her special friend, Logan; Madison Tuchtenhagen and her special friend, Dillon; and Spencer Tuchtenhagen. Also survived by Dan Tostenson’s children, Jason (Candice) Tostenson and family of New Auburn, MN, and Amy Tostenson and family of Winsted, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.