Carol Jean Wald

Carol Jean Wald, age 75, of Winona, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Winona Health.

Carol was born to Marvin and Arlene (Kreher) Blank on September 29,1950 in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Carol graduated from Cochran Fountain City High School and went on to build a life centered on family, creativity, and kindness.

Carol married Wesley Wald and together had two children. They later divorced, but Carol’s devotion to her family remained at the heart of her life.

Carol was a lady of many talents and interests. Carol especially loved crafts and shared that joy with her children, filling their days with creativity and imagination. She also took great pride in planting flowers and watching them grow into full bloom. As a young girl in 4-H, Carol learned to knit, and she shared this talent with many. She often attended and participated in craft shows. During the COVID pandemic, she lovingly knitted baby blankets for those in need.

Carol also enjoyed bowling, treasure hunting at garage and estate sales, and collecting her “S’more” ornaments for the past 25 years.

She worked for the United Postal Service in Alma, Wisconsin and later transferred to LaCrosse, Wisconsin where she worked until retiring in 1995, due to health reasons.

In 2016, Carol became a grandma welcoming her only grandson into the world filling her heart with love she had never known before. Being his grandmother wasn’t just a role; it was one of the proudest and most meaningful moments of her life.

She was a generous and thoughtful lady who was always planning for the next holiday, always decorating and preparing special gifts for those around her. In her later years, Carol loved a good outing - whether it was a trip to Sullivan’s for scallops or just seeing the countryside, she loved being out and about.

Carol will be deeply missed by her children, Lisa Wald of Winona, Minnesota, and John (Jennifer) Wald of Hudson, Wisconsin; her cherished grandson, Christian Wald; and her siblings; Judy Rose Dublin of Tomah, Wisconsin, Dale (Peggy) Blank of Yaeger Valley, Wisconsin, and Bonnie (Robert) Kirksey of Orange Beach, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Arlene Blank.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, Minnesota. A Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. Carol will be laid to rest at Yaeger Valley Cemetery, Town of Waumandee, Buffalo County, Wisconsin.