Carol Ward

Carol Jean (Krause) Ward, age 74, passed away on April 8, 2022. Carol was born in Merrill to Clarence and Grace (Sukow) Krause on August 2, 1947. She was received into God’s kingdom of grace through the waters of Holy Baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, on August 24, 1947, attended Trinity School, and was confirmed in 1961. She met Richard Ward, and the two exchanged marriage vows on November 2, 1974. These dates highlight important milestones in her life, but let’s talk about who Carol really was.

During Carol’s early years, she was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom, raising her babies. Carol was the best cook; her bacon-and-noodle hotdish and up-country egg recipe were frequent requests; her milk soup could cure any ailment.  She always made sure to have nuts-and-bolts available for her children, grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren.

She was actively involved in both Trinity School and Trinity Church, chaperoning field trips, teaching Saturday School and as a member of the Altar Guild. Once her children were properly raised, she went on to work at Carl’s Foodlane and then Johnsons of Merrill until she retired.

Over the years, she single handedly kept QVC in business.

Carol hosted legendary cribbage tournaments for the family every Christmas and Easter since 2006, but sadly only won four of them.

She did not tolerate lies…few have tried and those brave enough to do so, failed.

Carol loved to garden. Each year, she and Rich would spend a great deal of time buying seeds and mapping the layout of the vegetables. If the harvest was abundant, she would share with family, friends and neighbors, but she never was able to grow squash.

She was always up for a good time, whether it was road trips to the casino with Rich, buying trips with the ladies from Johnsons or playing in bar cribbage tournaments and accidently drinking one too many bloody marys. The stories about Carol are many, from her warnings about drinking Moscow mules to almost burning the house down one Christmas.

She was loved and will be missed so very much.

Carol is survived by her husband, Rich, and 3 children, Brian (Becky) Daley, Rob (Gail) Daley and Beth (Jason) Weinkauf; 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and sibling, Al (Mary Lou) Krause and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Reno Krause and nephews David Krause and Keith Krause.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held that same day from 9:00 am until the time of service, also at the church.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery immediately following the service.

The family wishes to thank Interim Hospice for their care and support shown to Carol and the 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.