Carole Jean (Kexel) Pfaff left this world Wednesday, December 9, 2020. She was born August 1, 1940, the second child of Catherine and Clarence Kexel at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin.
Carole attended kindergarten at Franklin school, then went on to Elementary school at St. Rose. She graduated with honors from St. Catherine's High School in 1958 with a scholarship to St. Francis School of Nursing in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. While studying to be a nurse, a cousin, John Boltik introduced her to his former shipmate, DuWayne C. Pfaff. They were married May 11, 1963. The newlyweds settled in St. Charles, Missouri where Wayne was a computer technician for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. Their sons Mark and Matthew were born in St. Charles.
Carole moved back to her family home in Racine for a year while Wayne undertook training in Ithaca, New York to work for Univac Computer Systems. Their son John was born in Racine.
Reunited, the family moved to Maplewood, Minnesota where their daughter Irene was born.
For Carole, it was family first, but she also loved her career in nursing which she pursued for more than 40 years. She was widowed April 3, 1996.
After retiring from nursing, Carole became a world traveler, visiting Austria, Germany, England, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, besides taking many bus tours in and around the Midwest.
Carole is survived by her sons Mark Pfaff, Matthew Pfaff, John Pfaff, and daughter Irene (Bruce) Day, and her grandchildren Logan Pfaff, Caitlyn Pfaff, Andrea (Matt) Gramse, Lauren Pfaff, and Sam Day. She is also survived by her younger sisters Sue (Roger) Hays, Kathy Kexel and brother Mike Kexel. Carole is also survived by her nieces Kris (Steve) Bargender, Kim Hays, Kela Kexel, nephews Roger (Pam) Hays, Torin (Alice) Kexel and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as numerous cousins.