Carol Jean Markunas (nee Nimmer) passed away peacefully the morning of June 23, 2024, at the age of 86.

Survived by her children, Mark (Michele) Markunas, Michelle (Wayne) Bergevain, Ken Nelson, and Renee (Patrick) Stelloh. Loved and touched deeply by seven beautiful grandchildren, Kayla (Joseph) Ehlen, Shauna (Paul) Yarincik, Cassandra (Joseph) Bacon, Alexander (Andrea) Nelson, Kristine (Josh) Checkai, Samuel Stelloh, and Corbin Stelloh, and 15 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her loving sister Betty Shufelt, brother-in-law Robert Shufelt, sister-in-law Fran (Buzzy) Markunas, and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by many special friends that she had met and kept over her years.

Carol was preceded to Heaven by her husband Theodore (Ted) Markunas, daughter Lisa Nelson, great-granddaughter Cheyenne, brother-in-law Edward Markunas and sister-in-law Audrey Perry.

Carol's favorite places were either anywhere with family and friends, or at "The Cabin" in St. Germain, where she enjoyed the lakes, the change of colors in the fall, and the solitude. She especially loved being there when the grandchildren were up . She was a talented artist, whether it was ceramics or painting, floral work or coloring. Her projects are the greatest treasures to her family.

She was a wonderful adventurous cook and created some treats that only she could make, and they will be missed by her family. Carol was a sun worshipper and had a nice tan year-round. She would sit out in the sun whenever she could . She loved old country western and polka music.

Carol loved convertibles, from the Starfire she owned with Ted, to the Mustang she bought herself. In more recent years, she loved going for rides with her dear friends, Art and Sandy, in their vintage convertible. Sometimes they would take a ride and stop at Barnacle Buds in Milwaukee. She was always so excited about those adventures.

Carol was a rather private lady. She did not easily share when life got rough. She held her friendships dearly and only told her secrets to a few.. .her sister Betty, old friends JoAnn, Sharon, Rita, Gail, her longtime friend from early childhood June, and most recently Sue. These ladies were there for her though good times and bad. She was blessed to have them all in her life.

As a young mother, Carol made the holidays magical for her children. She hosted wonderful Halloween parties just for them and a few neighborhood kids, complete with homemade costumes and spooky food. She did not drive but she made sure they had the largest pumpkin she could find, pulling it home in a wagon. She loved to dress up for Halloween, always putting together the costume herself, even into her later years.

Christmas was always believing in Santa and Carol worked hard so the house was "just right" for the family celebration. Her children were never spoiled by too many gifts but by the wonderful memories she was the architect of. Her legacy will live on in these traditions through her children and grandchildren.

After the heartbreak of losing her special dogs, Sadie and Shadow, Carol became everyone's favorite dog-sitter. She would sometimes care for three dogs at a time, and often watched her "grand dogs". She always had treats for all her "friends" in her purse or her pocket. She would go out of her way to give a dog a pet and a treat.

Carol had her own style and sense of fashion. She loved to shop. Not everyone always agreed or approved, but she did not care. She liked what she liked, and it did not matter what anyone else thought. It did not change the sweet lady she was. She loved animal prints, black and white, and especially polka dots. She was beautiful

A special thank you to the caregivers at Linden Grove New Berlin for their compassionate care and support to Carol and her family and to the many friends at Three Oaks Circle, the community where she lived for the past seven years. We have heard so many times, "There will never be another Carol".

Please join our family to celebrate her life on Thursday, July 11, from 4pm-7pm at The Enchanted Forest Event Venue/Emerald City Catering, 3555 S. 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221.

A private interment to be held at a later date.

"Thank you for making everything so special." Carol