Carol Jean Pingel

• Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, 6615 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, from 10AM until the time of Funeral Service at 11AM, the Reverend Aaron Koch of Mount Zion Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment St. John’s Church Cemetery. 

 Carol Jean Pingel, born January 18, 1942, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Born to the late Alva Frederick Pingel Sr. and Esther Amanda Rose (Geiger) Pingel, Carol lived a life filled with learning, faith, and joy. 

A dedicated educator, Carol retired as a teacher and librarian with Milwaukee Public Schools. She was a proud graduate of the first four-year class of Milwaukee Lutheran High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Nebraska. Her passion for knowledge led her to achieve two master’s degrees in history and library science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A lifelong researcher, she delighted in studying the daily paper, saving articles of interest, and cataloging the books she read. 

Carol was a devout Lutheran Christian and an active member of Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Greenfield. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and inspired those around her. 

Known for her whimsical eccentricity, Carol embraced diverse interests ranging from Elvis Presley and classical music to Snoopy, the Peanuts gang, and the Muppets. She cherished Milwaukee’s history and culture, supporting institutions like the zoo, museum, and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. She also enjoyed Summerfest, ethnic festivals, and the Wisconsin State Fair. A devoted sports fan, she cheered passionately for the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. 

Carol was the dear sister of the late Rev. Alva F.(the late Ruth) Pingel and the late Martin Paul Pingel. Carol was a beloved “Tante” to her nieces and nephews: Linda Anderson (Bob Orr), Alva (Jane) Pingel, the late Michal (Danny) Johnson, Teresa (John) Roberts, Paul (Vivian) Pingel, Patricia (Bob) Beard, Tamara (Roger) Kasper, and Lori (Mark) Newhouse. She was also a fun-loving “Great Tante” to eighteen grand-nieces and nephews and “Great-Great Tante” to twenty-three more. She is further survived by other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. 

Carol’s vibrant spirit inspired others to embrace their interests and pursue their passions. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. 

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, 6615 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, the Reverend Aaron Koch of Mount Zion Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment St. John’s Church Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to time of service. If so desired, memorials to Mount Zion Lutheran Church window fund or the Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis appreciated.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES

6615 W. Oklahoma Ave.

414-321-7440