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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Caroline Wodke
Topel
Nov 18, 1914 — May 30, 2014
Obituary
Caroline W. Topel was born November 18, 1914, in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, the only child of Ora and Ella (Kypke) Wodke.
She grew up loving the city and its lake, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1932.
In 1936, on an Easter Sunday in April, she married Arthur Topel, and in 1940 they were blessed with a daughter Marcia.
Caroline joined the First Congregational UCC while just a teenager and remained a faithful member all her life. Her love of music was met by the church, as she sang in the choir until well into her 80's. She also was an accomplished pianist, and for a time, served as church organist.
In addition to music, she also loved to sew and embroider.
She was a passionate reader and loved the beautiful L.D. Fargo Library where she proudly received her first library card at the age of 5.
She joined and enjoyed the activities of Martha Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, attaining several offices and becoming a life member.
Although she much preferred being a homemaker, she went to work for the newly formed Hamlin, Inc. when it began operations in Lake Mills. She eventually became noted for her skill at glass-blowing, an essential part of creating the Hamlin products.
During the last four years of her life, Caroline's health declined and she moved to Middleton Village where she was appreciated by both staff and residents for her sense of humor, ready smile, and gentle nature.
Surviving is her daughter, Marcia Topel of Madison, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 307 W. Madison St., Lake Mills, preceded by an Order of Eastern Star service.
Family burial will be in the Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
If desired, memorials may be made to the L.D. Fargo Library, Friends of the Overture Concert Organ, or a charity of one's choice.
www.claussenfuneralhome.com
She grew up loving the city and its lake, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1932.
In 1936, on an Easter Sunday in April, she married Arthur Topel, and in 1940 they were blessed with a daughter Marcia.
Caroline joined the First Congregational UCC while just a teenager and remained a faithful member all her life. Her love of music was met by the church, as she sang in the choir until well into her 80's. She also was an accomplished pianist, and for a time, served as church organist.
In addition to music, she also loved to sew and embroider.
She was a passionate reader and loved the beautiful L.D. Fargo Library where she proudly received her first library card at the age of 5.
She joined and enjoyed the activities of Martha Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, attaining several offices and becoming a life member.
Although she much preferred being a homemaker, she went to work for the newly formed Hamlin, Inc. when it began operations in Lake Mills. She eventually became noted for her skill at glass-blowing, an essential part of creating the Hamlin products.
During the last four years of her life, Caroline's health declined and she moved to Middleton Village where she was appreciated by both staff and residents for her sense of humor, ready smile, and gentle nature.
Surviving is her daughter, Marcia Topel of Madison, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 307 W. Madison St., Lake Mills, preceded by an Order of Eastern Star service.
Family burial will be in the Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
If desired, memorials may be made to the L.D. Fargo Library, Friends of the Overture Concert Organ, or a charity of one's choice.
www.claussenfuneralhome.com
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