Carol Rae Wangen, 95, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at Silver Lace Memory Care by Primrose in Weston, WI.
Carol was born on August 9, 1930, in Menomonie, WI, the daughter of the late Ione Wood Kaunzner and Lloyd "Kandy" Kaunzner.
Carol married her high school sweetheart, Joseph "Don" Wangen on August 15, 1952. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before his passing in August of 2022. Together they welcomed four children, Candia, Nancy, Bill, and Ann.
Carol was a tomboy in her younger years. She enjoyed many sports including playing football with her future husband. She spent many days swimming by the Eau Claire dam. She was often bird hunting with her dad and her dog Chief. She also helped her parents care for her sister Nancy.
Carol and Don lived in many cities throughout their years with one of their favorites being Ashland, WI by Lake Superior. Carol and Don were in a dancing club and enjoyed the many holiday parties with friends. Carol was also on the ski patrol at Mt. Ashwabay, Indianhead Ski Resort, and Whitecap Ski Resort. She made many memories of skiing with her family and friends throughout the years. Carol, along with Don and their children, would spend time in their cabin, rafting down the White River. Carol and the family often picnic at Long Lake and spent many days swimming in Lake Superior.
Carol received her teaching degree after raising her four children. She taught at multiple schools throughout her career with the local schools being Weston Elementary and her favorite school, Rothschild Elementary. She had a passion for teaching young children, especially reading. She was the fun teacher who when the kids needed a break would bring out her foam ball and let the kids play dodgeball in the classroom. Carol enjoyed spending many days decorating her room and planning special activities for the children. She had the special privilege of teaching two of her grandchildren as well. Carol had many teaching friends whom she adored their visits and reminiscing with.
After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed many trips with Don and the grandchildren. One of her favorites was the white sandy beaches of Destin, Florida. She visited often her daughter Kandy and grandson's Jon and Chris in Colorado and Pennsylvania as well as daughter Nancy and granddaughter Kendra in Texas. She attended many sporting events for grandson Bill and granddaughter Kali as well as taking them to visit family out of state. Carol loved dogs especially her West Highland Terriers, Ellie, Lily and Wesley. Carol was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Tucker and Ila who meant the world to her.
Survivors include her daughters; Kandy, Minneapolis; Nancy, Houston; Ann (Tom), South Carolina. Carol had 5 grandchildren; Bill, Kali (Randy), Jon (Brenna), and Chris (Sammy). Two great grandchildren; great-grandson; Tucker and great-granddaughter; Ila.
Carol is preceded in death by husband Don, son; Bill, son-in-law; Don, granddaughter; Kendra, and sister; Nancy.
The family would like to give a special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Silver Lace Memory Care for the compassionate care they gave Carol in her final days as well as Brittany, R.N., at Interim Hospice Care.
No services will take place, as Carol requested, but we do appreciate your love and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marathon County Human Society.
