Carol Klunick

MADISON- Carol May Klunick, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt & friend passed from this life on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, WI. She was 90 years old.

Born in Milwaukee to May and Herbert Matzen on July 10, 1925, Carol spent her formative years there, graduating from Bay View High School in 1943. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where she received her degree in Physical Education in 1947. Carol married Walter Klunick on June 30, 1950 and they enjoyed 57 happy years together. They had two children.

Carol was a selfless community servant, volunteering more than a thousand hours of her time at Meriter Hospital. She was also an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she served in various leadership positions as well as being a faithful member of the choir.

Carol studied piano for years and enjoyed playing for others. She was an avid knitter, who was rarely without a project. She was also fond of cross stitch. Carol loved the beauty and tranquility of nature and enjoyed being outside. Her family members have many happy, meaningful memories of times spent with her out in the elements.

Her main focus in life was her family. They were her pride and joy. The marvelous bond they all shared was rare, wonderful and something each of them will be forever grateful for.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her son, James (Jim) Klunick, his wife, Cheri and their three children, Alison, Emily and Andrew, daughter, Jeane Gadd-Smith, her husband, Steve Smith, her two children, Ray and Brittney Gadd, and sister, Joyce Kern.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank all the wonderful staff who tended to her during her stays on the 4th floor at St. Mary's Hospital and at Agrace HospiceCare. They so appreciated everyone's kindness, patience, support, help and care.

Carol had a special affinity for YMCA Camp Manito-wish, where she was waterfront director and worked on staff. Many of her family members developed a similar love of the camp. They would like to share a (paraphrased version of a) beloved camp song they would often sing together:

Break out the oars, course set for Manito-wish. Swing on those oars. Gotta get to Manito-wish.....We're nearly there. Never a care. Back Home.

The family has opted to forego a memorial service. Instead, they ask that friends honor her individually by taking a special moment to remember the good times they shared with her. At her written request, they ask that any memorials be made to either YMCA Camp Manito-wish or Covenant Presbyterian Church via Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434