Carol J. Wagner

Born into Eternal Life on July 2, 2024 at age 80 and she was reunited with her late husband William “Itch” Wagner. Cherished mother of Suzanne (Charlie) Gartzke and Patricia (Jim) Bettendorf. Proud grandmother of Jessica (Nate) Maier, Parker (Bridey) Bettendorf, Noelle Gartzke, Carson Bettendorf, Kay Bettendorf, and Lucas Bettendorf. Madeline, Finley, and Louis are the grandchildren that made her “Great.” She is further survived by her sisters, additional family members and friends.

Carol was born in Balsam Lake WI, to Lilian and Edgar Bradish in 1943 as the youngest of eight (5 sisters and 2 brothers).  She grew up in and around Tigerton, WI then moved to Milwaukee when she was only 17.  There, she met and married the love of her life for 53 years, Bill Wagner.  They had two adored daughters, Suzy and Patty.

Most of Carol’s career was spent in banking.  Eventually, she retired as a loan officer at Associated Bank.

She had a passion for travel, both at home and abroad.  Many of her snowbird years were spent with Bill in the Villages in Florida.  Just last year she celebrated her 80^th birthday in style by hosting her family in Ireland as part of her bucket list.

Carol was a Resident Ambassador for New Perspective in Waukesha where she lived.  She also organized and ran many of their games and social activities. To say that she loved playing games of all kinds was an understatement.  Dice, cards, and Mahjong were her latest favorites, but no game was beyond her mastery.  She was incredibly lucky at the casinos as well.

Other past and present passions include gardening, entertaining, driving, golf, bowling and visiting family and friends. She enjoyed competing for thrown candy at parades, manicured nail art, making pickles and tasty Jello, diet cokes from McDonald’s, and snacking on her favorite color Green M&M’s. Treats for dogs and an extra Kleenex were always found in her pockets or tucked in her sleeve (just in case).

She devoted many hours to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  They returned her love with all their hearts and will miss her dearly.  Carol’s legacy is one of faith, strength, courage, and powerful love.

Enjoy a glass of unsweetened iced tea with extra lemon and a straw to celebrate Carol’s amazing life!

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

Gathering at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, 12300 West Janesville Road #2350, Hales Corners, Wisconsin, on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Memorial Service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Hales Corners Lutheran Church Music Department or the Ebenezer Food Pantry.