Carol Joanne Willert

Carol was born on September 22, 1937 in Albert Lea Minnesota to parents Ralph and Alma (Bowman) Ruble. She graduated from Faribault High School (Mn) in 1955. She is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck) to whom she was married 70 years; her 4 children Todd, Timm, Michele, and Dawn; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father Ralph, mother Alma (Ebeling) and brother Terry.

Carol was married to Chuck on August 25, 1956 in Meriden Minnesota. They eventually settled in Hanover Park Illinois. Carol was a licensed cosmetologist and an accomplished seamstress who made many of her husband's suits and her children’s clothes in those early years. In the 1970’s she volunteered at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village and quickly ascended to the role of President of the Auxiliary and Volunteers, a position she held for several years. She was the master of managing her own children, as well as most of those from the neighborhood. Carol threw creative backyard birthday parties for her children and opened her garage for spontaneous "Carpenters" sing-alongs. The Willert house was the place to be, because of mom.

After leaving the Chicago area for their lake home in Rome Wisconsin, Carol opened a successful high end fashion boutique - Sophisticated Lady - in Wisconsin Rapids. She and her husband enjoyed traveling to Chicago to see the latest fashion trends! At the lake, she was always tending to her flowers when she wasn’t golfing, supporting her church, participating in Red Hat activities, or hosting parties and family events. Later in her life, Carol was active in rug hooking, Mah Jongg, community events, and spending time with groups of friends, Over time Carol and Chuck took the opportunity to travel abroad visiting London several times as well as China, Russia, and South America. Their travel memories were an important part of who they were and they shared their wonderful experiences with those around them.

Eventually they settled in Plymouth/Maple Grove to be closer to family. Carol always enjoyed being with people and, well into her mid 80's, she continued to be an accomplished Mah Jongg and Mexican train dominoes player while continuing her rug hooking. She also enjoyed day trips with her daughters Michele and Dawn. Carol continued to be the dedicated, masterful mother to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until the very end, making sure to harness the energy she needed to meet with each of her children and grandchildren to say thank you, goodbye, and "be happy." She was the epitome of a loving, caring person and those of us who were fortunate to experience her genuine goodness will forever carry her positive nature in our hearts.

The family will be gathering for a private graveside service in Meriden at a later date.

We also want to pass on our mother’s last wish, to all of you, and that is “thank you” and be happy!