Carole Jean Staerkel, 76, born to eternal life on April 18, 2015.
Carole was born in the town of Osborne, Outagamie County, to Ferdinand and Catherine (Ehlinger) Sigl, on Oct. 26, 1938. Upon the death of Carole’s father in January 1939, her mother moved the family to Oconto Falls, where Carole grew up and attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and Oconto Falls High School.
On Oct. 29, 1955, Carole married Emory Lloyd Elbe. Together, they had six wonderful children they loved very much, including Emory J., Donna J., Thomas E., Joseph R. and Paul D. One son, Richard “Ricky” H., died at the age of 6 on Nov. 1, 1967. Her husband, Emory L., died at the age of 67 on June 5, 1999.
Carole met Gerald E. Staerkel while doing what she enjoyed, serving God’s children in need at Fr. Carr’s Place 2B in Oshkosh. Carole and Gerald married on May 18, 2002, 2002, at St. Gabriel’s Church in Neenah. Carole considered Gerald the love of her life, and they continued to do volunteer work at Fr. Carr’s and in the Neenah/Oshkosh area up until the time of her death.
In the 1960s, Carole worked nights at Bradtke’s Restaurant in Neenah while raising her children. In 1972, with the help of her husband, Emory, she originated Theda Clark Credit Union in the basement level of Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah to provide financial services to the hospital employees. Carole grew Theda Clark Credit Union into a stand-alone office on North Water Street in Neenah and renamed it Valley Health Credit Union serving health care employees throughout the area. She was eventually named manager, then president/CEO and worked there until her retirement in 2001.
Carole enjoyed many years of activities around her children, and spending time at Shawano Lake relaxing and fishing over the years. She also enjoyed traveling the USA to see God’s great works in the beauty of the country. She even made a visit to the town of Elbe, Washington.
Upon Emory’s death, Carole devoted her time to her church and to serving God by helping His children in need throughout the area. Her passion became Father Carr’s Place 2B. Carole and Gerald would pick up bakery and other products at local stores to bring to Father Carr’s. They spent countless hours giving hope to those who needed it.
Grandma Carole also enjoyed going to the sporting events of her grandchildren. She was frequently seen at local basketball, baseball and softball games — cheering on her grandchildren through youth sports, to when they played in high school and even when they were in college. One of her favorite pastimes was cheering on the Neenah Rockets and supporting her grandchildren. Her last Rocket basketball game was on Feb. 24, 2015.
Carole was a constant fixture at St. Gabriel’s church. She served Communion, assisted at church fundraisers and was a member of the Adoration Team praying at St. Margaret Mary’s parish in Neenah. She did these activities until her loss of memory began to affect her. Carole had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Carole remained at home, where her husband, Gerald, was an angel taking care of her until her health forced her to move to assisted living in March 2015.
Carole is survived by her husband Gerald, five of her children, Emory J. (Paula), DeForest, Donna J. Smith (special friend, John), Neenah, Thomas E., Neenah, Joseph R. (Julie), Neenah, and Paul D. (Kathy), Crandon; grandchildren, E. Tyrone, Tanya and Alex, Noah, David, Cassandra, Thomas and Rachel, and Stephanie, Elizabeth, Andrew and Matthew; and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Marie (Wally) McDonald, Abrams; two brothers, Franklin (Karen) Sigl, Tampa, Florida, and Hubert (Karla) Sigl, Oakland, Oregon; a sister-in-law, Lois Elbe, Green Bay; a brother-in-law, Donald A. (Jean) Staerkel, Oshkosh; and two sister-in-laws, Marge Staerkel, Oshkosh, and RuthAnn (Jerry) Uebele, Hartford.
Carole is further survived by Gerald’s children, Jeff, Doug, Kim, Troy and Trent; Gerald’s grandchildren, Kerrie, Tonya, Paul, Amber, Morgan, Mackenzie, Amanda, Nathan, Julie, Jessie, Adam, Devon, Shannon and Sherry; and Gerald’s great-grandchildren. Lastly, Carole is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Known for her bright smile, Carole was known by many throughout the community for her willingness to donate time to help others. She lived a full live, with love and compassion for others. Carole also had a love for the best pizza around — Sammy’s Pizza in Neenah.
Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2015, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Neenah, with the Rev. Larry Seidl officiating. Family and friends may visit her showing in the Chapel at St. Gabriel’s from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will be in St. Margaret Cemetery in Neenah.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to St. Gabriel Parish or Father Carr’s Place 2B in Oshkosh.
Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.
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