• Visitation: Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 3 pm – 5:30 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek)

• Visitation: Monday, October 9, 2023 from 8:30 am – 9:45 am at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (6881 S. 51st St, Franklin)

• Funeral Service: Monday, October 9, 2023 at 10 am at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (6881 S. 51st St, Franklin)

• Interment: ARLINGTON PARK CEMETERY (Milwaukee)

Carol Lydia Goelz

Carol Lydia Goelz (nee Kolbow), formerly of Oak Creek and Muskego, WI, peacefully joined her Savior in heaven, with family at her side, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Carol was born on July 17, 1938, in Franklin, WI, to Glenn and Pearl Kolbow (nee Kneser). She was raised on their farm in Oak Creek, where she learned the value of hard work and the importance of faith and family.

Carol became a baptized child of God on August 14, 1938, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Franklin, where she later confirmed her Christian faith on April 6, 1952. As a life-long member, she was involved with various church and school groups. Carol’s children and several grandchildren also attended school at St. Paul’s, which gave her many opportunities to volunteer and help with school projects. For a time, she served by typing church bulletins and assisting in the office. She enjoyed attending church regularly with her family.
Carol graduated from South Milwaukee High School in 1956.

Carol married Robert W. Goelz on June 24, 1970. She was an excellent wife, mom, and homemaker. She cooked, baked, sewed, gardened, decorated cakes, and helped with farming chores too. In fall, she could be found in the garage putting together orders for pumpkins and Indian corn.

Carol at times worked outside the home as a secretary for South Milwaukee High School, Bucyrus Erie, Superior Die Set, and Spicer Starter Drive. She retired from Rocore Industries, the business she and Bob together had founded.

Carol had many pastimes and interests. She enjoyed traveling with family, friends, and “the bus trip” group. She had been to 49 of the United States–all except Idaho. She was blessed to visit Tahiti, Europe, Central America, Canada, and many Caribbean islands.

Carol loved country music and polka dancing. She told stories of crashing weddings and sneaking backstage at concerts, even once claiming a kiss from Johnny Cash. She enjoyed attending Brewers games, and being on a first name basis with an usher.
Playing sheepshead with family and a few card clubs was another favorite activity.
She loved a good basketball game, especially when grandchildren were on the court. Carol and Bob were believers in Christian education and generous supporters of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where four of her children and several grandchildren attended.

After Bob’s passing, Carol lived at Grand Hills Castle Assisted Living, where she became much loved by caregivers because of her wit, wisdom, and wisecracks.

Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. They couldn’t have had a better mom, grandma, or great-grandma and are so thankful for the good times and great memories. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed, but the family eagerly awaits a joyful reunion in heaven!

Carol is survived by her children:
Sheryl Lundgren,
Connie (Tod) Hauf,
Karen (John) Milazzo,
Martin (Sara) Goelz,
her three sons by marriage,
Dave (Janet) Long,
Daniel (Kim-Marie) Long,
Eric (Colleen) Goelz.

In addition, she has 19 grandchildren:
Laura (Paul) Kolander;
David (Mikayla) Lundgren;
Ryan, Rachel, and Risa Kramer;
Cameron, Trevor, and Logan Hoffman;
Kendall Milazzo;
Jack and Jenna Goelz;
Max (Ashley) Long;
Megan (Aaron) Gadomski;
Cassandra (William) Nordlund;
Andrea (Logan) Collins;
Julie and Jade Long;
Andrew (Kate) Goelz;
Matthew Goelz.

Carol was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren:
Liesel, Alice, Pearl, and Otto Kolander;
Evelyn, Barrett, and Alina Long;
Sam, Henry and Abigail Nordlund;
Eleanor and Zachary Collins;
Patrick Goelz

Carol is further survived by her two sisters, Janet Ziemann and Marlene Reynolds, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Goelz, and her parents Glenn and Pearl Kolbow (nee Kneser).
The family would like to thank the staff of Grand Hills Castle (thanks especially to her special caregiver, Nicole) and Amedysis Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Carol.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wisconsin Lutheran High School would be appreciated.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023 from 3 pm – 5:30 pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek) and on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 8:30 am – 9:45 am at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (6881 S. 51st St, Franklin) with a funeral service to follow at 10 am at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (6881 S. 51st St, Franklin). Burial to take place at ARLINGTON PARK CEMETERY (Milwaukee).