"Carol is one of those people that just brought smiles to all her friends old and new! Carol was always proud of her kids. Debbie worked with us at the credit union and Carol would always stop in. On your worst day a short visit with her would make life better again. I didn't see her often the past few years but when I did it was the same happy, friendly exchange, she will be missed by all who knew her! My thoughts are with Mert and the rest of the family. "
In loving memory of
Carol Elizabeth Paul
November 28, 1937 - February 19, 2013
Sun Prairie - Carol Elizabeth (Theilig) Paul, age 75, died unexpectedly on February 19, 2013, while wintering in Venice, FL.
She was born in Port Washington, WI on November 28, 1937 to George and Rosalia (Biever) Theilig. Carol graduated from Divine Savior High School in 1956. She was married to Merritt "Mert" Paul on April 18, 1959 in Milwaukee. Throughout the years they relocated with the Telephone Company from Wausau, to Sun Prairie, to Two Rivers and finally settled in Sun Prairie in 1979.
Carol worked at J.C. Penney for many years and then retired from General Casualty Insurance after 12 years of service. Carol was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, enjoying Women's Guild and Bible Studies. Since retiring "Grandma Carol" spent one day a week working with a 1st grade class at East Side Elementary School in Sun Prairie. Carol was gregarious in character and had the ability to make friends no matter where she was. She also loved golfing, meeting her many friends for coffee, spending time at their summer cottage in Eagle River, sharing in the accomplishments of her grandchildren and spending a few winter months in Venice, FL.
Carol is survived by her husband, Mert of Sun Prairie; her mother, Rosalia Theilig, of Sun Prairie; her three children, Brian (Jean) Paul of Sun Prairie, Debra (Thomas) Paul-Speech of Neenah and Jennifer Paul of Chicago; her five grandchildren, Heidi, Matthew, Rachel, Elizabeth, Catherine; her two brothers, Thomas (Annette) Theilig and James (Karen) Theilig; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, George Theilig.
Funeral services will be held at BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 300 Broadway Street, Sun Prairie, on Monday, February 25, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Charlie Brandt officiating. Burial will follow at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens in Sun Prairie. A visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, February 24, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and again at church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Tributes
"Carol was such a bright light at Ramblers Rest...always sharing her smile and expressing genuine concern for each person she met. We will miss her but have been enrich by knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mert and each member of her family."
"Carol will be greatly missed by me and everyone who knew her. I remember always seeing her up by the buildings and pool and she would chat away with me , so friendly and kind. I didnt even know her name then but she knew mine. She was always concerned about my husband as both hers and mine had similar heart issues. She'd ALWAYS ask about me and him and how we were doing, so concerned. She often gave me a hug and always had that beautiful smile, so full of life and love for others. I was so saddened to hear about her passing and so sad I wasnt in Fl this year so I didnt get to see her this season. This is such a great loss to all, thoughts and prayers to the family, I am so heartbroken but I know she will always be that angel watching over us with her caring and loving heart. You were a gem Carol and you always brightened my day. I will never forget you. "
"What a beautiful, special lady! Eastside School's "Grandma Carol" touched the lives of hundreds of first graders in a most special, loving way. What a blessing to not only the children but those of us teachers (and other staff) who were privileged to know her, experience her love, her sense of humor, her kindness to all and so very much more. I got to know and love "Grandma Carol" as she worked in my dear friend Ardie Nelson's first grade classroom. What a great time we had - we could always count on her for help with anything and everything, a huge smile, and a most marvelous contagious laugh that brightened the day. Upon Ardie's retirement, I hoped to snatch her up for my classroom, but Jill had already claimed dibs. "Grandma Carol" was always there for all of us - brightening our days and lives. "Grandma Carol" you have given so much to so many - your light will forever shine."
"We could not have come across a friendlier family of neighbors . We will miss Carol's humor as we shared each of our new family stories every year . "
"I loved when Carol would come into the credit union and we would talk of our vacations, our families or just life in general. She was such a friendly person and will be greatly missed."
"The summers in Eagle River won't be be same without hearing Carol's laugh and seeing her smiling face. We'll miss you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing--I will sadly miss her company(as her neighbor) in Eagle River,, She was a sweet lady and a great companion."
"I don't have the words to share about how I will miss Carol. As Mert said I lost my best buddy. We did every church function together and traveled together. She was my support when I lost Ron. My shelves are filled with angels that she gave me, so she will always be around me. Save a place for me in heaven."
"Carol you will be missed by everyone here in Florida, we will always remember wash day you would always stop by and have a cup of coffee and biscotti, Margie would always snuggle up to you and you loved when she did. You always were so happy and loved to laugh and thought it was fun when Margie and Charles had their dog wedding last year and then last Monday you had a good time at their first Anniversary. You laughed because you said if people home knew they would think we were all crazy but we here would do anything to have fun, and you always had fun. Cathy and I will miss you greatly because you were the life of the party always with a smile, always helping someone, always reminding us to get our tickets, and always caring. I know you will be watching over your family and all of us, May you Rest in Peace, we will never forget you."
"When someone lives next door, they are a neighbor. When they are a part of your life, for your whole life, they are practically family. At some point, before she had grandchildren of her own, one of us asked her if we could call her Grandma. And from that point on, she was "Grandma Carol." That's all I've ever known her to be, and it's even been passed down to my kids. From mom and her exchanging romance novels, a knock on the door and her shouting "Anybody home?" and then chatting with whoever was. Dad even put a snow-blown path between houses so they could come back and forth, even in the winter. She is part of memories of losses and new lives. The vase she bought us for our wedding with a note attached "So Chad will always bring you flowers." And a big hug and whisper in my ear and reminder about life's gifts when it was hardest to see. Her sense of humor, her smile, her faith, and her unconditional love for us all. We'll miss you. Oh, we'll miss you so much "Grandma" Carol."
"Carol was just extra special making sure no one was left out. Making sure newcomers were included and welcome. "
"What a special lady! Frank and I always enjoyed our visits over coffee with her and Mert. I also had the opportunity to work with Carol at several ladies functions at church. I am sure Carol has everyone laughing right now."
"Having known and loved Carol for fifty years plus and as a bridesmaid in Judy's and my wedding ceremony, she will be sadly missed. It was always a joy to visit with Mert and Carol at their Sun Prairie home and their cottage. We were so looking forward to their annual visit to our Georgia home on their way home from Florida. Now, that won't happen anymore. I think we will grieve her passing for a very long time."
"My cousin Carol has always been very special. When I was a little girl, I thought she hung the moon. She did everything perfect - she cut out stuff perfect, she colored perfect. I was a little jealous but I loved her and loved spending time with her. i haven't seen her since 2003 but it was fun. And by the grace of God, I talked to her in December right before she and Mert left for Florida and for that I am very grateful. For those of you who don't know, Carol's Mom, my Aunt Sally is my Godmother. They are both very special ladies"
"Carol was a was a happy, outgoing, wonderful person. She was so very proud of her family and all of her grandchildren. The Fourth of July in Eagle River will not be the same without her. She will be missed."
"Carol is the only person I know who could go anywhere and run into someone she knew. Of course, then I had to stand there while she visited and we all know how she loved to talk. She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of the them. When we were together she would talk & talk about their accomplishments etc, so much so, I couldn't get a word in. While I have many memories being with Carol, the one that stands out the most is when we were vacationing in Eagle River. One night the four of us decided to go accross the lake for dinner by boat. We had no trouble getting there but getting home in the dark was a challenge Oh how we laughed and it was one of the memories we often talked about. She will be missed by all of us. "
"In Florida each season Carol was the one that made sure our group had tickets for the many social gatherings. She was in our golf group and last Saturday something very special happened to Carol. It was the first time ever Carol shot below 60 for a round. She was so happy with the 59. Think all 600 of us here in the park knew. Last evening thinking about my dear friend I got the score card with her 59. After adding her score three times I realized Carol didn't shoot a 59, but rather a 57. Dear Carol I hope you know. RIP"
"Carol will be greatly missed. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone and always was such a caring person who always managed to put a smile on your face no matter how bad the situation was (she gave great hugs too) God has another special angel up in heaven."
"I have so many memories of my Aunt Carol. Spending time with her at the cottage is by far my best. She was always so full of life and had the gift for keeping a conversation going. I will forever miss her famous potato salad. My first memory of her is staying at her house in Two Rivers and she made me these awesome halter tops.....I thought I was so cool. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Peace, love and lots of hugs."
"I have too many memories to pick from. The time both of us tried to start a fire to warm up in the cottage and failed miserably. We would've made terrible cavewomen. or the time she and mert sank into the lake on the skijet, I laughed till I cried. . and all the craft shows. Matt tells me I have big shoes to fill as far as the cooking goes. I can only try. all the family events & games. always there for us for anything. We will miss you so much. . "
"Some of my most favorite memories of my Aunt Carol, were sleep overs in the pick up camper at the cottage with you sleeping by my side, and going to the Souvenir store in downtown Eagle river to by a silly rubber hatchet. Thank you for all of those wonderfull memories. Those memories will always be locked up in my heart, I love you"
"My Florida adopted Mom always reminded me get my tickets, wear my hat, and forgotten appointments. Never failed to invite me to tag along wherever they were going. Deeply saddened by our loss. Happy for her new home."
"Carol always joke that she was never going to pass out of 1st grade. I am very glad she didn't. We loved having her at Eastside. She loved working with the children and the children loved her. She was always ready to give a hug, paint a handprint, listen to a reader, work on a project like Rainbow Fish or capture some sunshine. Many hours were spent laughing with the teachers and children. Carol touched hundreds of children's hearts and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to call her "Grandma Carol""
"Carol was my first friend when we joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church. We had a lot in common as we became grandmothers within weeks of each other and continued to compare notes on how proud we were of our grandchildren. I will miss her very much!"