Carol J. DeCarlo

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Carol J. DeCarlo, 76, of Ironwood, gained her angel wings on Oct. 26, 2021, at her home in Ironwood with her husband by her side.

She was born April 16, 1945, the daughter of Laurel and Carolyn (Fisher) Heinske. She graduated from Mercer High School with the class of 1963. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior for business. Following her schooling, she held numerous jobs including secretary at White Pine Mine, bartender at Nora's in Hurley, Wisconsin, and cleaning services at the Newman Building in Ironwood.

During her years bartending at Nora's, Carol met the love of her life, Thomas A. DeCarlo. They got married in Las Vegas on Feb. 7, 1977, and moved to Great Lakes, Illinois. She spent many years traveling with the family, supporting her husband's long military career. Most importantly, Carol was a terrific mom and grandma. Her children were her life. There was never a day that went by that she wasn't bragging about them.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Thomas A .; her daughters, Candee (Aaron) and Gina (Jay); six grandchildren, Janel (LJ) Pann, Jacquelyn, Katee, Jakob, Thomas and Hailey; and a great-granddaughter excitedly anticipated to arrive in March; father-in-law, Thomas J. DeCarlo; brother-in-law, John "Jack"; sisters-in-law, Kyong and Lori; nieces and nephew, Jimmy, Jacci, Louise, Frances, Amanda (goddaughter) and Jerika; numerous cousins; extended family and friends; and her special lifelong friend, Rita (Mud) Klotter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurel and Carolyn Heinske; her mother-in-law, Louise DeCarlo; and her greatest loss was her son, Richard "Rick. "

Those of us who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the time she spent with us.

Special thanks to everyone at Davita Dialysis Center and Avanti Home Health and especially Beth Huotari, who became like family to her.

A memorial service to celebrate Carol's life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 6, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Mike Hill officiating, preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home to honor Carol's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.