Those in attendance at Carol’s funeral included former players and coaches during the Warmath era. Some came from out of town including Bobby Bell, the two-time All-American who more than any player was responsible for a remarkable run from 1960-62 when the Gophers won 22 of 29 games.
Like Carol, Bell lives in the Kansas City area. He was making a public appearance in December of last year when he saw Carol. It was a connection he will long remember and be grateful for.
Bell knew Carol when he played for the Gophers. “All the coaches just treated us like part of the family,” Bell said.
In December Carol modestly told Bell he didn’t remember her. He replied: “Oh, yes I do.” And then he gave her hug.
Carol remembered Bell and a long list of other Gophers who played for her father. Even last year she was back in Minneapolis to watch the Gophers play in their new stadium. She never forgot her alma mater and the place her dad earned so much fame.
Carol Warmath Dillow was a special Golden Gopher. And at the funeral service to celebrate her life last Friday the processional music couldn’t have been more appropriate:
The “Minnesota Rouser!”