Carol Lou (White) Wolke (86) of Sigel

Carol Lou Wolke (White) was born on February 8, 1938, to Noel and Gladys (Brown) White in Iola, IL, and passed away on January 2, 2025.

Carol, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. With a heart full of faith, Carol touched the lives of everyone around her with warmth and passion.

Carol began her working life as a teenager at Brown Produce in Farina, IL. After high school, she trained as a clerk in Indianapolis and secured a position with Western Union in Skokie, IL. Following marriage, she worked at Kern Manufacturing in Neoga and later at j Fashions in Toledo. Carol ultimately found her professional home at ASCS, where she worked for 20+ years before retiring. In her retirement, she continued to assist at Wolke Nursery alongside her husband, Paul.

Carol's musical talent was evident from a young age, as she began playing piano at Iola First Baptist Church. Her gift for music led her to serve as the lead organist and choir director for decades at Toledo First Baptist Church. She took immense joy in sharing her music with others.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Carol was an active and devoted member of Toledo First Baptist Church for many years before becoming a cherished member of Sigel St. Michael Church. Her commitment to faith was always of utmost importance to her.

Carol met the love of her life, Paul Wolke, in 1959. While Paul was promptly drafted into the military, Carol waited for him, and the two married on June 25, 1961. Their 63 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. Paul was not only her husband but also her best friend.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Gladys, and her siblings, Dolores (Bob) Wernsing, William White and brother-in-law James Tripp.

Carol is survived by her husband, Paul Wolke; her sons, Steve (Denise) Wolke and Monte (Theresa) Wolke; her grandchildren, Amanda (Paul) Niebrugge, Victoria (Cole) Miller, Steven (Alexis) Wolke, Lindsy (Collin) jelinek, Monte (Taylor) Wolke, Michael (Lindsey) Wolke, Zachary (Tayler) Wolke, and Brett Wolke; and her great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Frederick, Warren, and Savannah Niebrugge; Crue, Luke, Liam, and Mick Miller; Owen Jelinek; Zenith Wolke; Warner Wolke; and two more on the way. Carol is also survived by her siblings, Richard (Deana) White and Virginia (special friend Raydon) Tripp.

Carol's legacy of faith, music, and compassion will forever be remembered and celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Michael School in Sigel, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 Am Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in the St. Michael The Archangel Church in Sigel, Illinois. Visitation will be held Monday, January 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM in the Swengel - O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois.

Burial will be in the St. Michael Cemetery in Sigel, Illinois.

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