Carol Mae Carlson
Carol Mae Carlson, age 70, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026. She was born on March 30, 1956, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to her loving mother, Alice Thorsby.
Carol was born and raised in Fond du Lac, where she attended Goodrich High School.
Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. She had a heart that welcomed everyone, a smile that could brighten even the darkest days, and a strength that carried those she loved through life’s challenges. Carol was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or put the needs of others before her own. Her kindness, compassion, selflessness, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Carol found joy in gardening, cookouts, crafting, and interior decorating with her son, Ryan. She loved lunch dates, spending time with her high school girlfriends, taking walks and car rides with her beloved Lizzie girl, and being outdoors. In her younger years, she especially enjoyed traveling to watch her son Jamie race motocross and cheering on her son Ryan in kickboxing and karate competitions.
Carol dedicated more than 30 years of her life to working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Caring for others was more than a career—it was her calling. She took great pride in providing compassionate, exceptional care to every person she served.
Carol is lovingly survived by her son, Jamie (Shauna) of Baraboo; her grandchildren, Jalayne (Mitch), Aaryn, Faith (Jacob), Hannah (Logan), Kaylee (Troy), all of Fond du Lac, Abbey of La Crosse, and Brooke of Reedsburg; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Beckham, Emery, Bentley, Hazlee, Ayla, Amirah, Ariella, Eli, Eleanor, and Emmette. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members who will continue to honor her memory by living with the same love, kindness, and generosity she shared so freely.
She was welcomed into Heaven by those who went before her, and we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, free from pain, and reunited with those she loved.
Carol was preceded in death by her mother Alice Thorsby; her son Ryan; sister Mary; and her brothers, Keith and Dave.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Carol’s life on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Zacherl Funeral Home.
Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for every hug, every laugh, every lesson, and every memory Carol gave us. Her love will never leave us, and her legacy will live on through the family she cherished so dearly.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
“A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.”
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations.