Carole Adele (Linder) Shern, 86, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Aug. 1, 2023.
Carole was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 6, 1937, to Hulda (Harriet) Dodd and David Linder. She was raised in Polk County, Wisconsin, and attended St. Croix Falls School. Carole had 10 brothers and one sister.
Carole married the love of her life, Ray Shern, after they eloped to Iowa in 1957. They settled in Milltown, Wisconsin, where they raised a family of five children, Laura, Peggy, Renee, Tom and Jon. Carole and Ray celebrated 50 years of marriage on Jan. 3, 2007.
Carole was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend to many. She had 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She loved playing and being silly with her great-grandchildren and everyone. Her great-grandchildren called her Grandma Carole. She would sit on the floor and play with her great-grandchildren.
Carole became a certified nursing assistant in May 1975. She was a dedicated employee for 25 years at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wisconsin. Carole was compassionate about caring for the residents. She also worked as a physical therapy assistant at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.
Carole was a faithful active member of Milltown Lutheran Church/Joy Lutheran Church, was active in the women’s group making quilts, and many fellowship activities.
Carole was a wonderful cook and baker. She made hundreds of loaves of banana bread, pans of apple crisp, and chow mein hot dish to give to her family and friends in need.
Carole was known for her quick wit and sense of humor and her sassiness. Her goal was to make others smile and laugh.
Carole loved nature, gardening and animals of all kinds, especially horses. When the family moved to a hobby farm east of Milltown, it was a dream come true for Carole and Ray. At the hobby farm, they had lots of family gatherings, a huge garden, beautiful flowers, trails in the woods, places to hunt and lots of animals.
Carole was a very positive person and influenced many. She would always see the beauty of God’s gifts even when difficult times came. Carole found joy in the simple things.
Carole loved everyone and said that everyone was a beautiful child of God. She would always tell people that she loved them and would always say “I love you more.” Carole loved singing in church and singing everywhere. She attended many Christian music concerts, including going to see MercyMe three times. The musical group, MercyMe, was her favorite group and one of Carole’s favorite songs was “Even If” by MercyMe.
Carole modeled positivity, courage, love of family and love of God until the end of her life on this earth. She was very special to us and will be forever in our hearts.
Carole was preceded in death by her mother and father, Harriet Dodd and David Linder; her husband, Ray Shern; brothers, David Linder, Jerry Linder, Ronald Linder, Michael Linder and Jeffrey Linder.
Carole is survived by her children, Laura (Tom) Jensen, Peggy (Jeff) Watson, Renee (Paul) Hartfield, Tom (Elena) Shern and Jon (Amy) Shern; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Carole’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at Joy Lutheran Church, Centuria, Wisconsin. Burial took place at the Milltown Cemetery following the service.
Memorials are preferred to Joy Lutheran Church, KTIS-Christian music ministry of University of Northwestern, and Adoray Hospice.
