Carol Ann Linssen, age 87 of De Pere, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Carol was born February 1, 1936, to the late John and Ada Retzlaff, and grew up with her 6 siblings on a small family farm on the far east side of Green Bay.

On June 18, 1955, Carol married Bernard 'Bernie' Linssen, and together they celebrated 66 years of marriage until Bernie's passing in 2021. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother through the years including taking care of her husband in his later years of life.

Carol worked for over 50 years as a waitress, most notably at the 'original' Krolls in downtown Green Bay, and more recently at Eve's Supper Club in Allouez. Many friendships were created with both her co-workers and her customers. During this time, she also helped her husband run a mink ranch in their early years and later as a bookkeeper for the family home painting business. But that was just part of her life, as she still had time to enjoy many other activities.

Her talents included knitting and baking, creating colorful washcloths and baby booties, and baking sweets such as breads, tortes, and pastries. She enjoyed sharing her products while everyone loved being on the receiving end. Carol attended countless sporting events of her grandchildren, and her television was always tuned into Packer and Brewer games. She never played fantasy sports, but with her sports knowledge, she would have been a tough competitor.

She was a volunteer with the St. Boniface Parish Christian Mother's in De Pere, participated in ballroom dancing, and always kept the family up to date with news by staying in touch with her sisters, sister in-laws, and friends. Carol lived a full life to the end, and we are all better for going on the 'ride' with her.

Carol is survived by her 3 sons: Steve (Bonnie), Kurt (Debi), and Chris (Tami); 7 grandchildren: Aaron (Elma), Bret, Michael (Morgan), Karleigh, Hunter, Piper, and Sutton; 2 great-granddaughters: Kinsley and Blair; 4 sisters: Joan Umentum, Jackie (Larry) Vickman, Judy (Andy) Dobesh, Pam (Randy) Matzke; 1 brother: John (Sue) Retzlaff. Surviving inlaws: Ralph Linssen, Ken (Carla) Linssen, Eunice Kocken, Mary Rukamp, Ruth (Bob) Beining, and Bev (Dick) Huxford.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her granddaughter Emily; brother Bob Retzlaff; in laws: John Umentum, Alvina (Len) Schoessow, Marcella (Russ) Smude, Beatrice (Norb) Henrigillis, Lorraine (Luke) Albers, Merlin (Joanne) Linssen, Walter Kocken, Don Rukamp, Joyce Linssen, and Nancy Linssen.

Ryan Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Visitation will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in De Pere on Monday, July 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and again on Tuesday, July 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00. Entombment will take place at The Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for Carol.