Carole Patricia Ozzello

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Carole Patricia (Gulan) Ozzello, 92, of Wakefield, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at her home.

Carole was born on April 6, 1930, in Saxon, Wisconsin, a daughter of Anton and Theodosia Gulan.

On Oct. 30, 1960, she married James D. "Chocolate" Ozzello, in Hurley, Wisconsin.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James, on Jan. 25, 2008; a son, Robert, on May 16, 1976; her son-in-law, Rusty Hearns, on Nov. 11, 2005; seven brothers, John, Alex, Adam, Anton, Felix, Domenic and David Gulan; and six sisters, Ann Guinn, Fedaylia Levra, Martha Hojanacki, Marge Knudson and Catherine and Agnes Gulan.

Carole is survived by a daughter, Michele Hearns, Wakefield; three sons, James (Karen), Levering, Greg (Sherry), Columbia, Tennessee, and Theodore, Ironwood; six cherished grandchildren, Anthony (Mallory) Ozzello, Cheyenne (Cory) Bull, Ashley (Jimmy) Miller, Zane Ozzello, Aiden Ozzello and Kaila Ozzello; five precious great-grandchildren, Juliauna, Ava, Aubrey, Wyatt and Addy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and so many other loved ones and friends dear to her.

During Carole's life, she was a restaurant owner of The Badger Club and Roby's. She worked at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center, Arts Unlimited, the Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Tru-Flight. She retired at the ripe age of 90.

Her greatest joys were her family, her Catholic faith, cooking, baking and sewing. Carole was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, attending several games to show her support. She had fun watching college football, cheering on her favorite team, Michigan State, throughout the season. She loved to talk about her predictions before or during any game, and was always able to recite a player's status and all their records. She and her grandson, Zane, always spent hours talking about the upcoming football season, and comparing each other's predictions with the other, throwing a small bet here and there against the other person.

Our mom loved to travel. We were fortunate to take her everywhere fun we went. She traveled to California, Florida, Kentucky, numerous trips to Wisconsin Dells, and anywhere her "Dance Studio Kids" were traveling or performing.

Our mother always made sure she had one of the most welcoming homes from Hurley to Wakefield. She made it a point to make sure anyone needing a place to stay knew her door was open. She loved to help all the younger neighborhood kids, and made a point to make sure they were fed, knew they could stay as long as they wanted, and were loved. She loved to ask her visitors their birthday, favorite meals and their favorite desserts. She liked to keep a record of her guest's favorites. We even started to bet one another that when she knew someone was coming over that we were going to have their favorite meal. She never disappointed and always had their meal on the table before they even walked through the door.

Our rules growing up were very simple and clear. Here are a few examples, "Do all things with kindness and sincerity and expect nothing in return." "Always pray, not just when you need him, but to be grateful for all he has given you, and all he has protected you from." "You must always be honest, you must always be respectful, and you must always be a gift to others." All of these quotes were expectations our mother had for us. She always said, "We were building our character." Carole lived her life the exact way she expected us to live ours.

From the bottom of our hearts, we have to give special thanks to the following people for always being there for our mother, Ben and Elsie Leffel, John and Jackie Bush, Jack Ringsmuth and Leo Imhoff. We are all so thankful for all the extra help you have given her over the years. To all of "mom's" Ringsmuth boys, Jack, Tony, Michael, Matthew and Jimmy, mom loved you all so very much. We thank you for all the years of happiness and memories you made for her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11:30 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.