Carol Jean Wilger

Carol Jean Wilger, age 86, of Green Bay, passed away on April 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 2, 1938, to Carl and Lena Unertl.

On June 17, 1957, she married Thomas Wilger and the couple spent 67 years together, being blessed with six children. Carol had compassion for everyone and appreciated their uniqueness, recognizing their special qualities. Her family was the center of her life, and she was the cornerstone of her family. She raised all her children while running her own dog grooming business from home.

Carol suffered from polio early in her life, which would ultimately serve as a source of her strength and passion for life. She was fun and adventurous, spearheading family gatherings in Northern Wisconsin, camping excursions, and road trips throughout the U.S. She and Tom later traveled to Europe, Mexico, Jamaica, and Hawaii. After retiring, the couple were snowbirds in Panama City, Florida for over 20 years, where they met lots of new friends and created many happy memories together. Carol loved animals, reading, drawing, solving puzzles, and playing cards.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Tom; her children Karen (Mark) Mazzoleni, Susan (Tyrone Wright) Wilger, Michael (Jorge Martinez) Wilger, Steven Wilger and Dennis (Kathy) Wilger; her grandchildren Jeremiah (Renee Narayandas) Johnson, Joleen (Marvin Gray) Johnson, Paul (Melissa) Mazzoleni, Ann (Matt) Janda, Tom (Nicole) Mazzoleni, Mike Mazzoleni, Nicolas (Melissa) Wilger, Sam Wilger, Natasha Wilger, Josh Wilger, and Carl (Lauren) Wilger; and her great-grandchildren Dakota Johnson, Lyric Bates, Arianna Felton, Vincent Mazzoleni, Francis Mazzoleni, Briget Catalano, and Oaklyn Condon. She is further survived by her sister, Linda (Don) Eggebrecht, her brother, Tim (Diane) Unertl, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her cat, Carmin.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Johnson; her siblings, Betty Kuklinski, Jim Unertl, Dick Unertl, Delores Sconzert, and Nancy Weiderhoeft; and her parents, Carl and Lena.

Per Carol‘s wishes, her body has been donated to UW Madison for post-polio research

A Celebration of Life in Carol’s memory will take place in late summer. A column by Ann Landers written decades ago resonated with Carol and she wanted it shared. It says, “If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man. If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.”

Carol was truly grateful for her family and knew how much she was loved. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate in Carol’s name to the Brown County Library or Brown County Humane Society.