Video of Funeral Mass for Caroline Renzel

Caroline S. Renzel “Carol”, age 96 years, died Sunday, September 13, 2020 at her Harbor Campus residence in Port Washington, Wis.

She was born October 21, 1923 in Richfield, Wis., to Ludwig “L. John” and Anna Kolvenbach Winnemuller.  When she was four years old, the family moved to a small farm in what is now “Sleepy Hollow” in Port Washington, Wis.  After graduating from Port Washington HS in 1941, Carol helped on the farm while working for a local doctor.  She served in the United States Navy in the WAVES as a Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class during WWII in North Carolina and at Pearl Harbor.

After her return home, Carol married Robert Welch and briefly lived in Ohio before they bought a home on Johnson Street in Port Washington, WI where they raised three kids. The marriage didn’t last and about 20 years later Carol married Ralph Renzel on Dec. 4, 1976. She met him while doing clerical and advertising work at the former Freeman Chemical Co.’s North Slip Lakefront Office in Port Washington. Ralph predeceased her on May 8, 1994.

She was active at St. Mary’s Parish and with its Christian Mothers Society.  Carol also took minutes for the City of Port Washington Planning Commission and volunteered with the former St. Alphonsus Hospital Auxiliary and hospital kitchen.  She was an active quilter through Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington.  For many years she continued to care for her daughter Barbara.

Carol is survived by sons James “Jim” (Sandra) Welch of Denver, NC, and John “Jack” (Nina) Welch of Louisville, KY; there were 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Barbara Welch, sisters Marie Merrill and Marcella “Marcie” Marauski and brothers Herman, John, Francis “Franny” and Lambert “Bert” Winnemuller.

The Rev. Patrick Wendt will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial 1pm Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 451 N Johnson Street, Port Washington, WI.  Entombment Parish Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday at the Poole Funeral Home, 203 N Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI.

Memorials to Heartland Hospice, 1233 N Mayfair Rd # 100, Milwaukee, WI 53226, appreciated.

*** COVID-19 recommendations will be followed.  Masks must be worn.  Exercise social distancing.  Thank you. ***

Poole Funeral Home / Crematory, Port Washington, Wisconsin assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or 262-284-4431.

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1 Comment

  1. Our condolences to the Renzel family. She was such a quiet lady with a great smile. May her passing find you with fond memories, laughter and joy

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