July 5, 2025 – Jackson, WI – Carol J. Bresnahan (nee Clark), 81, of Jackson, Wi, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Froedtert West Bend Hospital. She was born July 23, 1943 in Buffalo, New York to Edward and Caroline (nee Postelnick) Clark.
On April 20, 1968 she was united in marriage to Thomas E. Bresnahan in Washington D.C. Tom preceded her in death on December 17, 2006.
In 1968, after marrying the love of her life in Washington, D.C., she made Wisconsin her home. Carol devoted over three decades to Milwaukee Public Schools as a dedicated paraprofessional, retiring in 2002. Following her retirement, she moved to West Bend.
Carol’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She had an enormous love for animals and a zest for life that showed in her many travels, particularly to her favorite destinations—Hawaii and Florida. Carol cherished the time she and her husband, Tom, spent at their beloved home on Crooked Lake in Oxford, WI.
Known for her infectious smile and sweet spirit, Carol never turned down some ice cream—often joking that she could happily have it for supper. Her warmth, sense of humor, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone she met. It seemed that wherever she went, she ran into someone who knew her from her years at MPS.
Carol is survived by her 2 children: Tammy (Mark) Martell in Jackson and Jason (Janeen Moore) Bresnahan of Caledonia, 2 grandchildren: Chelsea (fiancé Dylan Tackes) Martell and Mitchell (Kelley) Martell and 3 great-grandchildren: Maverick, Athena and Nora. She is further survived by her brother Edward (Lorrie) Clark Jr., nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Caroline Clark, her husband Tom Bresnahan, her granddaughter Kaytee Martell, a sister-in-law Rosie (Robert) Beyer and a brother-in-law Jim (Bonnie) Bresnahan.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend. The family will greet visitors from 4:00 p.m. until 6:15 p.m.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com