Carol Bartels, age 72, of Bonduel, went to be with the Lord, on her birthday March 9, 2018 at home surrounded by her family. Carol was born on March 9th, 1946 in Barron, WI, to the late Henry and Ann Diesterhaft. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Almena, WI. Carol attended grade school in Almena and graduated from Barron High School in 1964. In 1966, she graduated from Barron County Teacher's College. Carol married Doug Bartels in Almena in 1967. Carol and Doug were blessed with over 50 years of marriage. The couple lived in Rice Lake, WI, Glendale, AZ, Sault Saint Marie, MI, Clintonville, WI, Cecil, WI, and most recently, Bonduel, WI. Carol did a variety of things in her work life. She was a nurse's aide when her children were young and later, a librarian assistant in Bonduel for several years. She ran a family daycare where she provided excellent care in a loving and learning environment for her grandchildren as well as the many children that people trusted her to care for. Carol's expertise was caring for disabled adults and children, providing foster care as well as respite care and live in adult care for a number of people. She was guardian to a very special lady named Lorraine Dybdall, who lived with Carol's family. Carol lovingly cared for every aspect of her life from the age of 47 until her death in 2004. She loved attending her grandchildren's sporting events and was very proud of each of them individually. She was responsible for developing the musical talents of her grandchildren and had a passion for ensuring that their piano and violin skills were well developed. Carol was very proud of the musicians they have become. Most importantly, she taught her grandchildren to "keep Jesus in their hearts." She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel where she served on a number of committees. Carol was a blessing to her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as to the many children and families that she provided daycare for.
Carol is survived by: her husband, Doug; their three children, Denise (Ron) Stelson, Cara (Jim) Richter and Dan (Tabitha) Bartels; grandchildren, Alexandria (Emanuele Badalamenti) Letter, Brady (Nicole Hoppe) Letter, Cole Letter, Benjamin Letter, Morgan Dunst, Caleb Dunst, Ayden Dunst, Jesse Richter, Jordan Richter, Joshua Richter, Elsie Bartels, Isla Bartels, Baby Bartels due in April as well as all of the daycare children that called her grandma. She is further survived by seven brothers and sisters: Martin (Kay) Diesterhaft, Janet (Melvin) Nyhus, Evelyn Miller, Barbara Disterhaft, Robert Diesterhaft, Donna Knutson and Bonnie Diesterhaft.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, David Richter; her parents; and one brother, Paul Diesterhaft.
Funeral services for Carol will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 16, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery in spring. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and again on Friday from 9:30 until the time of the service. Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice for all the wonderful care given to Carol.
