Carole Gardner

1934 - 2025

Carole Gardner

September 15, 1934 - December 3, 2025

Carole Joan Gardner passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Carole was 91 years young. She was born to David and Helen Lundean in Milwaukee, WI on September 15th, 1934. Fredrick E. Gardner fell in love with the shy, beautiful red head with the sweetest giggle. Together they had three children, Fred, Kathy, and Joe.

In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Carole helped her husband establish Fritz the Plumber in New Berlin, WI., Badger State, Inc. in Eau Claire, WI., and a campground (Jellystone Park, later known as Camp Indianhead) in Stone Lake, WI. Upon retirement, Fritz and Carole moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ and built their dream home. After Fritz passed away in 2002, Carole built a replica of their home in Eau Claire to be closer to family.

Carole was the picture of pure warmth and love. She had an infectious laugh, and it was nearly impossible not to join her if she got the giggles. She was an incredible listener and full of empathy. She loved cardinals, Jeopardy, coffee, Tab, and cherry turnovers. You'd never hear a swear word cross her lips unless the Packers were on. She kept an impeccably clean and tidy home (unless she was playing with her grandchildren). Whenever loved ones left her house, she'd say, "love you the most" and from the window she would smile, wave, and blow kisses until they were out of sight. Carole was ray of sunshine; the embodiment of compassion, class, and grace in a tiny 5'0 package.

Carole is survived by her daughter, Kathy Kaczmarek, son, Frederick P. Gardner, brother, Ronnie (Karen) Lundean, sister, Holly (Jeff) Arnold, grandchildren; Crystal Gardner, Bryant (Kayla) Gardner, Michelle Kaczmarek, and Jessica (Fidel) Gardner; great grandchildren; Cameron Gardner-Sikora, Jayden Gardner, and Joeseph Delackner. Carole also leaves her close friend and cousin Eunice Munzberg and several other family members. Carole has joined her late husband, Frederick (Fritz) E. Gardner, son Joseph Gardner, daughter-in-law, LuAnne Gardner, and brother, David Lundean in heaven.

Please join our family in loving her the most and waving goodbye on Monday, January 5th 2026, at 5pm. A short service and dinner will be provided at The Florian Gardens in Eau Claire.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.chippewavalleycremation.com.