Obituary for Carole E. Wadel

Carole was born on June 22, 1942, to Clayton and Edna (Munson) Gartner in La Crosse, WI. She was raised on the family farm near Mindoro, WI where she helped her dad with all the farm chores. After graduating from Mindoro High School in 1960, she moved to La Crosse and worked for 1st National Bank.

On June 8, 1963, she was united in marriage to Orlando P. Wadel of Burr Oak, WI, at the Mindoro Lutheran Church. This marriage took her to Rochester, MN, where Orlando had begun his career at the Mayo Clinic. Carole and Orlando lived in Rochester for 40 years, where they raised their two daughters, Karen and Ruth. She worked for the Rochester School District for 25 years.

After retirement, Carole and Orlando moved back to Mindoro, WI, where they enjoyed 20 years together living on the family farm, cherishing the quiet life. She enjoyed flower gardening and took great pride in everything looking tidy. She was active in her church, serving as the treasurer of Women of Christ. She and Orlando were also members of the Sons of Norway. Carole was proud of her Norwegian heritage and celebrated it by creating the traditional handicrafts and baked goods of Norway. She also traveled to Norway many times.

Carole is survived by Orlando, her husband of 60 years; daughters, Karen Wadel of Rochester, MN and Ruth (Mike) Burgaz of Holmen, WI; and grandson, Zachary Burgaz.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lorraine M. Leske.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, WI. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of service, Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burr Oak, WI or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research.