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Carolyn Gusmer Obituary
Carolyn K. Gusmer, age 80 of Waupaca, WI passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014.
Carolyn was born on October 14, 1933 in Beverly MA, the daughter of the late Gerry and Doris (Martin) Keene. She graduated from Marblehead MA High School in 1951 and from Wellesley College in 1955 with a BA in Political Science. She worked for the Defense Department (National Security Administration) in Washington DC after graduation.
She married John H. Gusmer on October 6, 1956 in Marblehead MA, and they moved to Wisconsin the next year. Carolyn worked with the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival Art Show since its beginning in 1963 and was chairman for 19 years. She was a strong supporter of the Waupaca Speed Skating Club starting when her children were skating, ran the Skate Shop for 18 years and was treasurer from 1978 - 2010. She had been a Girl Scout Leader, and was active in PTA, Band Parents and other Civic Organizations. She loved playing bridge, swimming, music, golf, reading, gardening, and bird watching. For many years she delivered meals to the homebound, and since 1996 has been teaching ESL to several foreign immigrants who needed help learning English. However family was always the most important part of her life, and she loved being with her grandchildren.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, John; her three children: Ted H. Gusmer (Carrie), Green Bay, WI; Dorothy G. Kellagher (Joseph), Ashburn, VA; Christopher J. Gusmer (Pamela), Waupaca WI, and her ten grandchildren: Daniel, Rebecca and Matthew Gusmer; Michael , Meagan, Tim and Brian Kellagher; Maxwell, Alex and Zachary Gusmer. Also surviving is her brother: William G. Keene, (Susan), Ft. Lauderdale FL, three cousins and several nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, March 15 at 11 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca. Visitation will be on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and continuing on Saturday morning from 10 AM until the time of mass at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Carolyn's name for the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Gusmer
Naomi and Terry Dvorachek
March 14, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Carolyn was always such a bright light and positive person even when she was in a lot of pain. She will be missed by many but always in our hearts
Con and Susan Helbach
March 14, 2014
We were so saddened to learn of Carolyn's passing. She was a intelligent, genuine, caring and kind lady. We wish we had gotten back to Waupaca one more time to be with Carolyn and John. Our sincere sympathy and love to all the Gusmer family.
Ingrid Lesley
March 14, 2014
My condolences to the Gusmer family. I am so sorry.
Lee Platta
March 14, 2014
Sorry to learn of your loss, Carolyn was a sweet, kind and wonderful lady. Our prayers are with you. Lee, Michele, John, & Morgan
Carrie & Fred Mazanec
March 13, 2014
Carolyn will always be remembered by us as a wonderful and kind person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gusmer Family.
Clif Morton
March 12, 2014
All of us at Fresh Start are saddened to learn of Carolyn's passing. She was so inspirational in her support of youth programs that make such a difference in our future! We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers.
Kori Printz
March 12, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember Carolyn she would come swimming at the Iola-Scandinavia Community Fitness and Aquatic Center, she will be missed.
Tom and Cathy DeLain
March 12, 2014
What a great lady. Our thoughts are with you John and your family.
Keith Spritz
March 11, 2014
So sorry to learn that Carolyn had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gusmer family.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
A. J. Holly & Sons Funeral Home - Waupaca526 South Main Street PO Box 254, Waupaca, WI 54981
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