July 24, 2018 – Carol M. Miller entered eternal life peacefully on July 20, 2018, at Our Lady of Peace Home in St. Paul, MN. Her daughter, K.C., with whom she lived for over 18 years was at her side. Her sons John and Joe spent several days with her just prior to her passing.
Carol was born on December 23, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to the late Leander and Clara Hansen. She lived in several WI cities growing up but called Sheboygan home and graduated from high school there.
Upon graduating from high school, Carol began college and received her degree in 1951 from the University of Wisconsin, Stout, in Home Economics.
During her summers, Carol was among the first female life guards on the shores of Lake Michigan. She began her home ec teaching career at West Bend High School. She then took her teaching talents to St. Frances Cabrini for one year, Moraine Park Technical College as head of the Vocational Home Economics department for several years. Her next career move was to become the first Corporate Home Economist for Regal Ware in Kewaskum.
She also was the host of radio station WBKV’s Housewife’s Exchange and during this time published a cookbook sharing the name of the radio program featuring recipes called in from listeners. Carol’s last position in education was as the Local Vocational Educational Coordinator at the West Bend High Schools. After leaving teaching and school administration, she joined her husband as team managing hotels around the country.
Carol’s passion for sewing (and buying fabric) was ongoing. She truly enjoyed helping with projects for Katey & John’s schools and everyone at those schools knew her as Gramma Carol. She also made and donated hundreds of flannel receiving blankets and matching bibs to her church for newborns in need.
On November 26, 1955, Carol was united in marriage to John “Feet” Miller. They took up residence in West Bend at that time and always considered it home.
Those Carol leaves behind to cherish her memory her include sons John (Laura) of Hattiesburg, MS, Joe (Tina) of Acworth, GA, and daughter K.C. of Rosemount, MN. Nine grandchildren, Kelsey Miller, Jackie Miller, Katey Miller, John Miller, Ashley Miller, Jordanne Miller, Kelvin Miller (Jess), Leela Miller, RN and Lieutenant Michael Miller, USMC; three great-granddaughters, Ashley’s daughter Mia, Kelvin’s daughters Joslyn and Malin; sister-in-law Pat Hotfeltz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and son Jim.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Carol will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 1, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1025 S. Seventh Ave., West Bend. The Rev. Andrew Infanger will preside.
The Miller family will greet relatives and friends at the church Friday from 12 p.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Lady of Peace Home, 2076 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 are appreciated. Carol received such wonderful, loving and spiritual care in her final days there.
The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.