Carole Pontel

Carole Mae (Lemke) Pontel, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Carole was born on December 25, 1927 and was the oldest of 12 children born to the late Clarence & Helen (Kulpa) Lemke of Pewaukee/Waukesha, WI. As the oldest, she was looked up to for advice from her younger siblings – sometimes as a 2nd mom. On June 10, 1949, she married Wallace (Wally) Pontel in Pewaukee, WI. They enjoyed 67 ½ years of marriage and were blessed with 5 children, Rita Mary (Craig) Fenters, Cheryl Louise (Dean) Ferry, Diane Helene (Daniel/Rocky) Feeney, David Wallace (Pam) Pontel and Linda Carole (Ron) Sorenson. Carole enjoyed dancing with Wally, walking her special dog "Keeper", who was always by her side and cross country skiing, which she did past the age of 75. Carole also liked to go camping, bicycling and doing all sorts of crafts. She enjoyed all flowers – but her favorite was peonies. Carole and Wally would enjoy taking trips to Alaska together and going on fishing trips in Canada, but sometimes they would just take in the beauty and enjoy living in the north woods in the home that her & Wally built on Horseshoe Lake. Carole was known for her pies that she baked while living at the farm. Carole was a giving woman and was very proud of the fact that in her life time, she had donated 12+ gallons of blood. She was a fun grandma – teaching all of her grandchildren the "Chiquita Banana" song. Carole will be sadly missed. Carole is survived by her husband of 67 ½ years: Wallace Pontel of Irma, 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren. She is further survived by 6 sisters and 2 brothers. Carole was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and a great grandson. A private "Celebration of Life" service will be held at a later date. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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