Name: Celebration of Life for Carole Olsen Drecksel
Start: 2024-10-25T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-10-25T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Starks Funeral Parlor

Carole Olsen Drecksel

September 2, 1945 ~

October 9, 2024

Carole Jane Walker Olsen Drecksel passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 9th. She is now at peace and reunited with loved ones, especially her beloved mother and brother, who preceded her in death. Carole was a remarkable individual who influenced countless lives. She was known for her roles as an exceptional grandmother, committed teacher and for her impeccable style as a true fashionista. She loved celebrating holidays, birthdays, people, and just being alive. Every year, family and friends looked forward to gathering for her famed Christmas Eve party, and every summer, her grandchildren looked forward to their "Special Days" with MeeMa.

Carole thoughtfully wrote the following obituary for herself several years before her passing:

"Carole was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, "MeeMa", loyal friend, and devoted teacher. She was born to Alva Eldredge Walker and Betty Louise Godbe. She had a younger brother, Richard Gary Walker, who died of leukemia at age 27. Carole graduated from Highland High School, and earned a BS In Elementary Education from the University of Utah. She married Michael Earl Olsen in 1968 (he died in 1981). They had two brilliant and wonderful children: Christian Michael Olsen and Adrienne Michelle Olsen. Carole's children were her Iife substance.

Carole fell in love with Calvin O. Drecksel In 1983; they married after seven months of "dating." Carole and Cal took many amazing voyages and vacations to exotic places around the globe. Those years of traveling opened Carole's eyes to the true wonders of the world and of life's gifts.

Carole loved her husband, and adored her children, her daughter- in-law, her son-in-law, her grandchildren, her Mother and Father, her students, and her precious friends.

She was a dedicated teacher spending many additional hours to add to her students' educational experiences, and using her own money to enhance their learning.

Carole loved the color white, Creamies, daisies, romantic and funny movies, shoes, her cat "Gizmo", playing Gin rummy, traveling, good conversations, reading and fashion. She listened to all kinds of music from RAP to classical, and turned the volume up high when she sang in the car.

Her life took on a new meaning upon the arrival of her remarkable and gifted grandchildren: Nicholas, Annabelle and Jonathan (Christian and Ella Olsen), and Quinn and Madilyn (Adrienne and Dave Murray). She thought these children were perfect in every way, and were being raised by equally perfect parents. She felt extremely blessed.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren.

In lieu of a funeral, she would like a celebration of her very rich and zany life. Lots of fun, good discussions, lots of laughter, lots of friends, lots of love and some crazy loud music.

Here is a poem she felt said it all (Author is unknown):

Don't cry at my grave 'cause I won't be there.

I'll be in the breeze that ruffles your hair.

I'll be in the sunshine, and I'll be in the snow.

I'll be in the places where we used to go.

I'll be in your laughter and in the funny things.

I'll be in your shadow and there in your dreams.

I'll be in your greetings but not your goodbyes.

I'll be in the reflection of your loving eyes.

I'll always be with you, and I'll always care.

So don't cry at my graveside 'cause I won't be there."

In keeping with her wishes, a Celebration of Carole's Life will be on Thursday, October 24th from 6-8pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. All who knew her are welcome to join in sharing memories, laughter, and love.

In memory of Carole, you may choose to send flowers or make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. If you would like to share a favorite story or memory of Carole, please visit www.Starksfuneral.com or email it to [email protected] whenever she comes to mind. Her family would love to hear how she impacted your life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Oct. 18 to Oct. 22, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Carole Drecksel

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

7 Entries

(Ms) Teddie Krause

November 15, 2024

I knew Carole at Highland High. I remember her mother was always entering contests and winning very nice prizes. Once Carole picked me up in a brand new car her mother had just won! The last time I saw Carole was at a Highland reunion a few years ago. I'm sorry to learn of her passing.

Barbara Claire Brown Johnson

November 4, 2024

Carole and I had a lot of fun doing crazy things. She was a great friend to me and many others.

Deb Ashton Kener Family

October 23, 2024

With deepest condolences to Carole´s family. She was an amazing educator and dear friend. She lived her life wholeheartedly and I will cherish many fond memories with her.

October 22, 2024

My children never had the opportunity to have Ms Drecksel as a teacher, Parkside. However, I was always taken back by her eloquence. Due to my work, I was taken weekly to work. Carole lived the last while of her life. I made it a point to visit with her when I went to visit my own patients. What a special woman she is. She will be so missed!

Donna Murray

October 21, 2024

Dear Dave and family, so very sorry to read of the death of your beautiful Mother in law Carole. What a beautiful picture of her and she done many things in her life. That disease is one of the worst, slowly takes them away from the family, loved ones little by little. Your all in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through these tough days now and many to come. I know you have plenty of memories, but, sometimes they just don´t compare. Sending love, Donna

Linda Volmer Auwerda

October 20, 2024

Carole was a stellar teacher and friend. I loved working with her at Parkside Elementary. The year I met her was when I was a substitute for another teacher in fourth grade at Parkside. Carole took me under her wing and provided guidance and materials for the class I was teaching. We had long talks and shared our lives and ideas with each other. I was then hired as a second grade teacher at Parkside and was so happy to already have another friend there. Carole was immaculate in her dress and manners. She was kind, loving and took her job as a teacher seriously. Her students were her top priority. She challenged them and frequently she had guest speakers which were always interesting. One of them even included a kangaroo!
A few years ago I was out to eat and saw Carole at the restaurant. I could tell her memory was off but at that time she still remembered me and our times at Parkside. She forgot her glasses and the restaurant employees brought them to me as they saw that I knew her. I called her and then stopped by her house to drop the glasses off. That was our last conversation at her front door. I am so very thankful for having Carole in my life for a period of time and send my sympathies to her family who she adored.

Jill Horne

October 20, 2024

Carole was my daughter, Haley´s and my son, Christopher´s fourth grade teacher. She was a kind, lovely, gifted teacher, and my dear friend. I taught school at Parkside Elementary and adored everything about her. What a legacy she leaves behind.

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