Oct. 7, 1930 – May 9, 2025
Carol A. Wagner, 94, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on May 9, 2025. The following obituary was written by Carol herself.
It was a very rainy day on October 7, 1930, but there was a break in the clouds, and Carol Ann Brozek was born to William and Agnes (Opicka) in the Town of Casco, Wisconsin.
Carol attended grade school and high school in Casco. She participated in many extracurricular activities and programs and did well in academics. She graduated in 1948. After graduation, Carol attended one year of college at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Extension Center and then she studied at Badger Business College in Green Bay. Carol began her business career working as a secretary in the offices of LD Schreiber and Company in Green Bay. She worked there five years.
In 1955, Carol married Gerald E. Wagner of Maplewood, Wisconsin. They lived in Maplewood, where Gerald owned a meat market. During this time, they welcomed their first son Tom, who became his dad’s right-hand man in the meat business. Gerald changed careers and became a stockbroker for Citizens Securities. Then, they welcomed their second son, Jerry. In 1985, Carol and Gerald moved to Sturgeon Bay. Carol and Gerald enjoyed following their sons’ school activities – especially sports and Jerry’s football games at Lakeland College. They were also avid Packer and Badger fans.
Carol worked for the Jellystone Campground franchise office in Sturgeon Bay for over 20 years. Carol also worked part-time at the Door County Treasurer’s Office, as an election poll worker, helped children in the Head Start program, and for Don Wiggins Architecture.
Carol and Gerald loved to travel, attending the Superbowl, Rose Bowl, Kentucky Derby. They enjoyed extensive travel to points of interest in the U.S.A., many enjoyable vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, and a great European tour. Carol accompanied her brother Bill and his wife Betty to France to attend the beautiful wedding ceremony of her niece, Kathy. During these travels, their business careers, as well as their everyday lives, Carol and Gerald met many interesting people and made many friends. These friends Carol considered her treasures.
Carol always loved to sing. This was a trait she inherited from her mother and dad. She sang in the choirs of Holy Trinity (Casco), Holy Name of Mary (Maplewood), Saints Peter and Paul (Institute), and occasionally for holidays, special events, etc., at Saint Joseph’s (Sturgeon Bay). Her choir family was very special to her.
Carol’s greatest treasure was her family. Though small in number, it was huge in love. The Gerald Wagner family always celebrated events and holidays together. What special memories those are. The special love Carol and Gerald had for each other was evident in the way they lovingly cared for each other as old age presented its difficulties. We thank God for the gifts He gave us.
Carol is survived by two sons, Tom (Tammy) and Jerry (Tracy) Wagner, two grandchildren, Chris Wagner and Carrie (Cody) DeClark, three great-grandchildren, Joslyn, Johana and Liam DeClark; sister-in-law Sally Wagner, nieces, nephews, and grand dog Briscal.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years Gerald on Feb. 6, 2025, her parents, father and mother-in-law Edward and Louise (Schmelzer) Wagner, brother Bill (Betty) Brozek, sister-in-law Jean (Eldor) Eggert, and brother-in-law William Wagner.
The family would like to extend thanks to the office of Dr Tomasz Michalski and his staff (particularly nurse Laura) for the outstanding support given Carol and Gerald through the years. To our “extended family” at Pine Crest Village who cared for them with compassion. To the “angels on earth” from Unity Hospice who helped us all through these difficult months. And the members of the church choir at SS Peter and Paul who became such a huge part of her life.
Funeral services will be conducted at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Institute at 11 am Thursday on May 15, 2025. Burial will be in Forestville Town Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:30 am until the time of mass. Forbes Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorials may be directed to JAK’s Place (1623 Rhode Island St., Sturgeon Bay WI 54235).