Carol Dawley Guenthner

Carol Dawley Guenthner, age 94, died of age-related causes on Friday 23 October at Evergreen Terrace in Antigo where she got wonderful care from the staff. Carol was born to Paul Dawley and Blanche Jewell Dawley on 12 August 1926 in Antigo. Her grandparents were long-time Antigo residents -- Dr John and Anna (Couch) Dawley and Hollis and Caroline (Schaefer) Jewell. Carol’s husband, parents, twin sister Carolyn Richards, and older sisters Betty Zittel and Jewell Byrne preceeded her in death. She is survived by her sister-in-law Jeannette Guenthner. Carol and her sisters grew up in the family home on South Superior Street. In 1944 she graduated from Antigo High School. After graduation she moved to Milwaukee to work for Cutler-Hammer, a military supply company during World War 2. Later she moved back to Antigo to work for her aunt Eva Jewell who owned an automobile dealership. There she met Joe Guenthner, whom she married on 13 December 1948. Their wedding reception was at the Hitching Post in the town of Ackley. Carol and her husband raised five children in their home on West Fifth Avenue. She is survived by four of the children: Bob (Cheri), Joe (Terri), Jack (Tammy) and Carolyn (Dan) Krimmer. One daughter, Margaret, is deceased. Although she was busy working at Guenthner Potato Company, she found time to have fun with her kids and their friends. She served as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She taught her kids how to swim at the old Antigo “mud hole”, Mueller Lake in Polar and at her Uncle Steve’s resort near Eagle River. Carol also played ball with her kids and the neighbor kids. She taught them how to find the right cowpies to use as bases so they could play ball in cow pastures. Carol’s life was enriched by grandchildren Bobbi, Jackie, Amanda, Megan, Hayley, Courtney, Hillary, Josh, Jake, Andrew, Brie, Brandon, and Danielle, who are now scattered across the globe from Japan, to Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin and England. She was also great-grandmother to 26, and the 27th will be born soon. Carol loved laughter, sports, music, friends and family. She embraced and encouraged uniqueness. She delighted her family with imaginary characters, such as Louis Boozhwah and Solomony Gorkfinkel. Following sports by radio, TV, newspapers and in person was an important part of her life. She loved the Cubs, Brewers, Packers, Bucks, Robins and any team that had a friend or family member on it. As a granddaughter of a music store owner and a former Antigo High School band member, Carol had a lifelong love for music. Well into her later years she enjoyed attending music events at Antigo City Park. Elvis Presley was her favorite singer. In her Evergreen Terrace apartment, she had two life-sized images of Elvis. Carol also loved to eat, especially Dilly Bars. She shared one with her daughter Carolyn the day she died. One favorite meal was her special order of a “ham and cheese omelet without the ham and without the cheese” at the Country Kitchen. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29 at 11:00 AM at Faith United Church of Christ. Reverend Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. In remembering Carol’s love of sports, those attending may wear attire representing their favorite sports team. Social distancing and masks wearing will be followed. Donation in memory of Carol may be made to Antigo Athletic Department