Carol A. Haukkala

ASHLAND, Wis. - Carol Ann (Banovetz) Haukkala, a long-time resident of Ashland, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning, Nov. 9, 2023, at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley.

Carol was born on Dec. 16, 1940, a daughter of Joseph J. and Arvilla I. (Boleau) Banovetz. She attended St. Sebastian Catholic School in Bessemer, Michigan, and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer.

After graduation, Carol earned her licensed practical nurse degree and worked in Michigan and Wisconsin.

On Sept. 7, 1979, Carol was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elmer Robert Haukkala, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Ashland.

Carol especially enjoyed following Elmer's lead at polka dances and Happy Dancer events. She also enjoyed bus tours to Illinois Polkafest, Branson and the West, travels to Washington D.C. and the East Coast, snow birding road trips to Florida, and also, a trip abroad to Finland.

Carol thoroughly enjoyed when they could "take it to the lake" after the 4th of July to spend time at their summer cottage on Lake Gogebic until late fall.

Carol was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland. She was a lady of simplicity and satisfaction, caring and compassion, and a heart for others. She found pleasure during times with family and friends, but especially relished quiet times.

Carol was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Elmer; a sister, JoAnn Harvey, who was faithfully there for her until she recently passed; a brother-in-law, Raymond Harvey; a nephew, Kurt Harvey; a sister and brother-in-law, Ida Mae and Adolph O. George; a brother-in-law, Eino Haukkala; a sister-in-law, June Haukkala; a brother-in-law, Benjamin Pusakulich; a sister-in-law, Eila Pusakulich; and a brother-in-law, Eero Haukkala.

Carol is survived by a sister-in-law, Rose Haukkala; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness and quietness, and yet, also her laugh and her wit. Her recent health challenges and setbacks brought more changes for her. Her light-hearted comment at a recent visit with her at Villa was, "Looks like I'm in trouble again."

In accordance with Carol's wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Dec. 1, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at noon, with the Rev. Jerome D'Souza, celebrant. After the Mass, a luncheon will be provided at the church parish hall.

Rite of Committal and inurnment will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carol's memory to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 201 Lake Shore Drive E., Ashland, WI 54806, or to Ashland County Aging Unit Inc., 400 Chapple Ave., Suite 100, Ashland, WI 54806.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.