Carol A. Wulterkens, Combined Locks, age 90, died Monday, March 11, 2024 at Apple Creek Place.  She was born in Kimberly on August 14, 1933 to the late John and Phyllis (Baumann) Smits.  Carol married Henry U. Wulterkens on February 10, 1953 at Holy Name Parish in Kimberly.  She loved teaching religion for many years.  Carol also loved fishing off the dock at both of their cottages.  She was a great mom and took great care of her family.  Carol was an awesome cook and famous for her home baked pies.  She also enjoyed casino trips and playing bingo.

Carol is survived by her children:  Richard (Diane) Wulterkens of Colorado; Nancy Appleton (Rory Vanesky) of Appleton; Lori (Richard) Strick of Combined Locks; and John (Dawn) Wulterkens of Darboy; grandchildren:  Samual (Heather) Wulterkens, Stuart (Katie) Wulterkens, Ben Wulterkens (Jen), Jacob (Sarah) Appleton, Amber (Jacob) Torres-Appleton, Adam (Krystal) Strick, Leanna (Dan) Povish, Aubrey Wulterkens (Joe) and Marissa (Jake) Yenter; great grandchildren:  Bella, Gianna, Joseph, and Henry Wulterkens, Violet, Samantha, and Cameron Appleton, Lennon, Juliette, Rosie, Maggie, and Sunny Torres, Abbie, Payton, and Everly Strick, Oliver and Annabelle Povish, and Leila Yenter; siblings:  Joyce (Jim) Williams, Ken (Jan) Smits, and Florian (Grace) Smits; in-laws: Phyllis Smits, Liz Smits, and John Peeters;  good friends from card club:  Liz, Annie, Gloria, Doris, and Marilyn; neighbor, Rosemary; and recent friend, Robina.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband Henry; father and mother-in-law, Henry and Gertrude Wulterkens; siblings:  Jane (Gene) Romensko, Ron Smits, John Smits, and Claris Smits (infant); and sisters-in-law: Dorothy Peeters, and Leone (Chuck) Kuhns.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 5:00 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Kollath officiating.  Committal St. Paul Cemetery.

A special thank you to Apple Creek Place, and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care.

Those we love don't go away.  They walk beside us every day.  Unseen, unheard, but always near.  Still loved, still missed, and very dear.