Carol Jean Peterson

Carol Jean Peterson, age 69, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital, after a long battle with cancer.  She was born on November 30, 1954 to the late William J. and Elizabeth R. (Cole) Rehwinkel in Merrill.  Carol attended and graduated from Merrill High School.

Carol most recently worked for the Aspirus Merrill Hospital in the housekeeping department.   Previously, she had her own in-home daycare and worked for several of the local florists.  Carol loved flowers, especially daisies and Forget-Me-Nots, and would enjoy spending her time in her flower gardens.  She looked forward to going to the cottage on Carpenter Lake in Eagle River, where she would relax and enjoy time with friends and family.   Carol enjoyed going to craft sales with her sisters and fishing with grandchildren, where she was able to watch and enjoy the dragonflies!  First and foremost in her life were her grandchildren.  Carol adored them and cherished her time with them.  She would enjoy going and watching their sporting events, baseball, dance recitals or bowling tournaments.  Carol was a very resilient and strong woman and was a very loving mom and grandma.  She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Carol is survived by her daughter: Sarah (Kurt) Rust of Merrill, grandchildren: Avery and William Frisch and Greyson Rust, sisters: Julie (Gerald) Hartwig of Mosinee and Rose (Fred) Storm of Merrill, brother: James “J” Rehwinkel, brother-in-law: Wayne Karpenske of Iowa and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son: Matthew Peterson and sister: Ruth Karpenske.

The memorial service for Carol will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Pastor Michael Southcombe will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 9:00a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and doctors at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital for their care, concern and support shown to Carol and her family during her last days.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.   Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.