Carole Rae Bruce

1930 - 2023

Carole Rae (Gilbertson) Bruce Watertown, WI - Carole R. Bruce, age 93, long-time resident of Watertown, WI, and more recently, Salem, SC, died on December 30, 2023. She was born in Shields, ND, on November 16, 1930, the daughter of Raymond A. Gilbertson and Leta F. (McCoy) Gilbertson. Carole graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in Stevens Point and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics (1952) from Central State College (UW - Stevens Point). While there, she met her husband Charles W. Bruce; they wed June 7, 1952. In 1973, she received Certification in elementary education from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.

"Mrs. Bruce" first taught home economics. Later she taught first grade at Webster School and was beloved by students and parents. She made learning fun and had occasional guests in the classroom including clowns, pets, and more. She had incredible patience in the classroom, was blessed with very capable teacher aides, and enjoyed friendships with other educators. "Mrs. Bruce" always encouraged her students (and her own children) to reach their highest potential.

Carole was a very active and faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church, and consistently volunteered for many activities. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was a "trooper" at camp.

Carole was talented: sewing, knitting, cooking, painting, gardening and when laid up with a fractured ankle, made a large wool braided rug! She was an avid reader and an excellent bridge player and later in life was a "whiz" with Wheel of Fortune and word search. She and Chuck taught their children to play cards, board games, and outdoor games and ensured family time and meals together. Dogs were cherished family members throughout her life. Carole was a master at delivering spontaneous puns, took unsuspecting photos of others, and was an occasional prankster.

Carole and Chuck enjoyed traveling and learning, with summer vacation auto tours in the great State of Wisconsin and elsewhere including state parks, historic and geographically important sites, e.g., 1964 World's Fair, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Washington D.C., and baseball games among others.

She followed sports - Goslings, Badgers, Packers, and golf - and attended several Masters practice rounds and tournaments. But by far "Grandma Carole's" greatest joy was watching her grandsons and later the great-grandsons excel in various sports, but especially baseball. She and Chuck were devoted fans at both home and away games.

Carole is survived by daughter Anne Bruce (Pam Miller); son Tom Bruce (Peggy); daughter Lis Peterson; grandsons Christopher (Lacey), Chad (Amber), and Bob (Laura); great-grandchildren Brayden, Lucas, Cormac, Aoife, Kennedy and Harper; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Charles, sisters Betty Cornell (Marsh) and Dorothy Mott (James); brother-in-law William Bruce (Mary) and sister-in-law Barbara Jackson (Earl Jefferson, Grant Jackson); and son-in-law Gary Peterson. She was the last of her generation in the Ray Gilbertson and W.R. Bruce families. Carole loved her family, but even more she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A memorial service for both Chuck and Carole will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Christ United Methodist Church, Watertown, WI. Family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 10:30 AM at the Church. A committal service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta, WI. Memorials may be made in Carole's name to Christ United Methodist Church, 112 Hall St., Watertown, WI 53094. Carole's family extends sincere appreciation for the love shown by staff to their mother at Foothills Retirement Community, Easley, SC.