Carol J. Bongard

Carol J. Bongard passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, with her devoted family by her side. She was born on April 18, 1937, the daughter of Mathew and Lucille (Kalscheur) Hellenbrand.

Carol grew up and lived most of her life in Waunakee. She met the love of her life after high school, and married Bud on March 31, 1959. Carol and Bud built a life centered on faith, family and community. Together they raised four daughters and were co-owners/founders of the Waun-A-Bowl, where Carol formed many lasting friendships. After leaving the bowling center, Carol worked for Physicians Plus and UW Health clinics until retirement.

Carol found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved being a grandma and great-grandma, faithfully attending her grandkids activities-sporting events, band concerts, cheer competitions, and everything else they were involved in. She was their biggest fan and rarely missed an opportunity to support them.

A talented and self-taught knitter, Carol lovingly made countless blankets and sweaters for those she loved. She also enjoyed traveling with Bud and friends, hanging out at Rex’s, walking with her neighbor friends, and birthday breakfast celebrations.

Carol is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bud (Lee A.) Bongard; daughters Renee (Jim) Helt, Michelle (Kent) Straus, and Brenda (Tom) Rohr; grandchildren Brad (Nikki) and Joel (Michelle) Acker; Bryan (Samantha), Eric (Kacey) and Alex (fiancée Ali) Helt; Derek (Morgan), Jake (Natalie) and Courtney (fiancé Alex) Straus; Amber and Connor Rohr; and great grandchildren Brooks, Devin, Bryce, Emma, Cameron, Lucy, Mason, Claire, and Caleb; brother Allan (Caryl) Hellenbrand, sisters-in-law Donna Hellenbrand and Virginia Bongard, brothers-in-law Robert Hensen and Leon Breunig, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Denise Acker, sister Diane Hensen, brothers Vernon and Ronald Hellenbrand, and in-laws Joanne Hellenbrand, Ed and Fran Thompson, Vic and Liz Bongard, Gene and Lucy Bongard, Clarice and Jack Hug, Charles Bongard, Mary Jo and Art Pape, and Karen Breunig.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 5, at St. John the Baptist Church, 209 South Street, Waunakee. A visitation is planned at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery following the services.

The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice Care for their invaluable support. Memorial contributions in Carol’s name may be made to St. John the Baptist Church or Agrace. “Love you Sweetie” ❤️

Please share your memories of Carol by posting in her guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI