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Carolyn Rose Votruba, age 80, of New Richmond, WI, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at the St. Croix Health Center. She was born on August 6, 1945, to Harvey and Norma (Kiesling) Reimer in Oconomowoc, WI.
Preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Charles “Charlie” Votruba; a brother, Richard Reimer; and two infant sisters, Patsy and Pamela Sue. Carol is survived by her children, Cindy (Ross Holmberg) and Christopher “Chris” Votruba; her brother, John (Karen) Reimer; and many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A proud graduate of Oconomowoc High School in 1963, Carol began her career at the Musebeck Shoe Company before choosing to dedicate herself as a homemaker, nurturing her family with unwavering love and support. She met her future husband Charlie at a carnival and married on May 18, 1968 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Together they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.
Carol found joy in her many passions, from tending to her garden to challenging herself with word jumbles and jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed watching the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks games; playing badminton with her family as well as altering her children’s clothing for everyday affairs. After some time, she returned to work as a housekeeper for her brother-in-law Fr. George Votruba at St. Anne’s Church in 1984, and subsequently for the next four priests before retiring in 2006 after her kidney transplant.
She was actively involved in her community, volunteering at the St. Croix Health Center and serving at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, where she held the position of president of the funeral committee. Carol was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and in a testament to her vibrant spirit, she and Charlie served as Grand Marshals of the Pea Soup Days Parade in 2012. She was the kind soul that went out to make your day special with a polite smile and friendly disposition.
Mass of Christian Burial was on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, located at 141 Church Hill Road in Somerset, WI. Visitation was one hour prior to the Mass, allowing friends and family to gather in remembrance. Following the Funeral Mass, Carol was laid to rest in St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery during a graveside service, with a reception to follow in the church basement.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Caro’s service
2 Comments
So sorry for your loss Chris I loved your mom I care about you to chris
Chris and family,
We will so miss seeing your Mom at St Anne’s. I loved talking with her, and she always had me laughing. Her sense of humor was very much appreciated, and her wit!
Thank you, Chris, for taking such good care of your mother. She told me how lucky she felt that you were so active in her life and how much she truly loved you.
Our deepest sympathies, Gene and Denise
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