Carol Grode

Carol J. Grode (Vander Pas) - Kaukauna - Carol was born on Aug. 4, 1939, to Anthony Vander Pas and Frances (Van Grinsven) Vander Pas in Little Chute. She graduated from St. John High School in Little Chute in 1957, and worked as a stenographer at the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah. In 1959, she married Ken Grode of Kaukauna, who was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and stationed in Brooklyn, N.Y. During the first year of their marriage, Carol joined Ken on the East Coast, living in Staten Island, and working in Manhattan. Carol and Ken, on his discharge from the Coast Guard, returned to the Fox Valley to make their home and a family. Carol and Ken were blessed with 63 years of marriage, raising five children, loving them and their seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Carol’s family was the center of her life. She was a longtime member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a woman of quiet, deep faith. Carol was a doer. She put her faith and love into action every day for her family and friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Carol was smart and practical. She knew how to do so many things, and what she didn’t already know she would figure out. Carol was thrifty. She knew how to make the most out of everything she had, and to share those things with others. Carol loved to garden, cook, sew, read, fish, drink coffee, play cards, and walk. Carol was kind, and she put others’ needs before her own. Always. Carol saw the good in every situation and person. Carol had a beautiful smile. She loved to laugh and had the gift of being able to laugh at herself. Carol was a survivor. She was resilient, combining two of her greatest qualities: toughness and hopefulness. Carol is survived by her husband: Ken, their children: Sal (Greg) Ebben, Ed (Crystal) Grode, Mike (Denise) Grode, Kay (Kurt) Dorow, Charlie (Heidi Lukas) Grode. Seven grandchildren: Lucas Dorow, Logan (Morgan) Dorow, Alli (fiancé Warren) Grode, Ken E. Grode, Aaron (Shania) Grode, Garrett Garcia, and Matthew Garcia. One great-granddaughter: Lennon Dorow, and another little one on the way. Five brothers: Lawrence (Mary) Vander Pas, Gerald (Marilyn) Vander Pas, Wayne Vander Pas; Greg (Jane) Vander Pas; Jeff (Lynn) Vander Pas; sister-in-law: Phyllis Vander Pas; brother-in-law: Gene Grode; godsons: Greg and Matt Vander Pas. She is survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Eugene Vander Pas; sister-in-law: Jane Vander Pas; her parents-in-law: Edmund and Mildred (West) Grode; brothers and sisters-in-law: Wayne (Rose Mary) Grode, Brian (Marian) Grode, and Charlotte (Richard) Wynboom. Carol died peacefully at home and embraced her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 17, 2022, nearly 31 years after her initial breast cancer diagnosis. Carol fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Although gone from this earth, Carol’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who love her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spierings Cancer Foundation https://spieringscancerfoundation.org/about/. The Grode family expresses its deepest thanks to the staff of Theda Care Cancer Center and Hospice, and most especially to Dr. Shannon Schmidt, navigator Nicole, hospice nurse Amber, CNA Ida, and massage therapist Mary. Special thanks to Clare Bowers for her faithful support and Bonnie Bowers and Juli Resch for their kindness. A visitation will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26, beginning at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna, followed by a memorial service at 1 pm.

VERKUILEN-VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna 920 766 2099, www.verkuilenfh.com