Carol Lins

Carol (Gruber) Lins

April 24, 2025

PLAIN - Carol (Gruber) Lins, 79, passed away on April 24, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, following complications from an aortic dissection. Born the tenth child of William and Christine Gruber, Carol grew up in Plain and graduated from St. Luke's High School. She began her career in banking before marrying David Lins in 1966. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., where she devoted herself to raising their sons, Craig and Doug. In 1969, the family settled in Illinois, where Carol worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for 26 years at St. Philomena and St. Michael churches proudly "training" 10 priests along the way. Carol cherished her family above all and found joy in music (especially Sweet Caroline, which she playfully believed was "Sweet Carol Lins"), travel, and dining out. Oh, how she liked dining out! She was deeply proud of her Gruber roots, which trace back to Franz Gruber, composer of "Silent Night," and collected memorabilia honoring that legacy. Carol's close friendships meant the world to her especially those with Carolyn Cornwell, Judi Ferstl, and Michelle Johanning.

She is survived by her husband, Dave; sons, Craig (Peggy) of Roscoe, Ill., and Doug (Wendy) of Lone Tree, Colo.; grandchildren, Owen and Macy Lins, Tracy (Mike) Weber; great-grandson, Grayson; brother, Floyd (Lois); and sisters-in-law, Rita Gruber, Delores Gruber, Arlene (Steve) Meise, Lucy Rooney, Kathy Lins and Glenda Lins. She was preceded in death by her parents; seven brothers, Harold, Cyril, LaVerne, Gene, William, Sam, and Leslie; and one sister, Lorraine. She was also preceded in death by numerous brothers/sisters-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 1249 Nachreiner Ave., Plain, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at St. Luke's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Catholic Church, the Spring Green Food Pantry, or a charity of choice. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Collins, the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, and Hospice for their compassionate care. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.