Carol Mae Pantel died peacefully at Valley VNA Senior Care in Neenah Wisconsin, while in hospice on August 19th surrounded by her family. She was born on April 28, 1930, in Sheboygan Wisconsin, the daughter of Michael and Norma (Bruechel) Reinholtz. Carol was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and went to school there. She attended Central High School. While in high school, Carol was chosen as the Red Cross delegate to represent the Midwest in Missoula, Montana. Upon her return, Carol gave several public presentations, including one before the Chamber of Commerce. Carol graduated with the class of 1948 and subsequently enrolled in Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee, completing her RN degree there in 1951. Shortly thereafter, she became the Supervisor of Obstetrics at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital. She married her high school sweetheart Robert William Charles Pantel in 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church. They were married for fifty-three years.
During her twenty-nine years as a registered nurse, Carol was also employed at St. Nicholas Hospital in the areas of obstetrics and medical-surgical nursing; VNA homecare, and Sunny Ridge Nursing Home where she worked in geriatrics, all of Sheboygan. In addition, one summer she greatly enjoyed her position as the nurse at Lake Susan for a Spanish/German language camp.
Carol was a gifted musician and participated in music her entire life from an early age. While in grade school, she frequently played piano for the Kohler Woman’s Club luncheons of which her mother was a member. She was one of the first female trumpet players in her high school’s band. Singing was also a love of her life. Carol was an original member of the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus, singing with them for twenty-five years. She was a longstanding member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and also enjoyed singing in their choir throughout the years.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; sister Rosalie (David) Rusch, brother Victor (Dolores) Reinholtz, and sister Julia (Robert) Stielow; husband, and daughter, Jeanne Pantel. Carol is survived by daughter, Susie (John) Engel. She is further survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Carol greatly enjoyed going to Wheeler Lake with the latter and to Sanibel Island in Florida with her daughter.
A funeral service for Carol will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan with Rev. Patrick Niles officiating. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday evening August 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, and Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Lutheran Cemetery.
Donations in honor of Carol can be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus.
Special thanks to Dr. Jill Schmitt of Aurora Sheboygan who was Carol’s physician for most of her life for her exceptional care. Also, a heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff of Prairie Crossing (Sheboygan Falls) and the staff of Valley VNA Senior Care (Neenah) for their love and outstanding care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
Comments