Carol A. Quale

Carol A. Quale, age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Carol was born on August 2, 1941, the daughter of Ralph and Dorothy (Vogel) Bradley. On July 23, 1960, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, James E. Quale. Together, they built a life defined by devotion to family and community until James's passing on August 9, 2021. After over 60 years of marriage, they are now reunited.

Carol was the heart of her family, a woman of warmth and kindness who found joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. She celebrated every milestone-on the field, in the classroom, and in everyday moments-with a smile, a kind word, and big hugs. She especially treasured the time spent with her Lunch Bunch friends, sharing stories and laughter over lunches and good company. A devoted gardener, she tended her flower beds with quiet care, and she loved the stories she found at the Stoughton Public Library, visiting weekly to borrow and return books. Carol's legacy lives on in the love she shared, the values she modeled, and the joyful memories she left with each generation.

Carol is survived by her three children, Lisa (Dale) Gretebeck, Brad Quale, Bart (Lisa) Quale; She was the proud grandmother of Kyle (Karissa) Gretebeck, Brett (Audra) Quale, Katie (Tony) Johnson, Mackenzie (Kenny Tober) Quale, and Max Quale; eight great-grandchildren, Evie and Elsie Gretebeck; Knox and Maeve Quale; Haley Tober; and Logan, Aria, and Garret Johnson.

Carol is further survived by; Her sister: Shannon (Dave) McKichan; her brothers: Doug (Debbie) Bradley, Mike Bradley, and Joel (Theresa) Bradley; her Aunt MaryAnn Langer, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband James, Carol was preceded in death by; her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Bradley; her brothers, Tom, Dick, Tim, and Kim Bradley; her beloved grandmother, Mayme Vogel, who was a guiding light in her younger years and made a significant impact on her life. Carol continued to talk about her grandmother even during her final week on earth.

No funeral services are planned per Carol's wishes, a private family celebration will be held at a later date. The family thanks the staff at St. Mary's Hospital for their care. Memorials will be donated to the Stoughton Public Library in her honor.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral Home

206 W. Prospect St.

Stoughton, WI 53589

608-873-9244