Carol Kay VanderPlaats

It is with profound sadness and much love that the family announces the peaceful passing of Carol Kay VanderPlaats (nee Clure) age 75, on Sept. 17, 2023.

Carol was born in 1948 to Melva (Bishop) and Lester Clure in Rhinelander.

She grew up in Milwaukee with her mother and three sisters. In July 1971 Carol married Gerald “Jerry” VanderPlaats and they were blessed with 52 years of marriage. Together they welcomed one daughter, Rebecca (Kevin) Perkins, who in turn welcomed her only granddaughter Amber (Aaron) Perkins-Castellano.

Carol retired from Briggs and Stratton in June of 1997, where she worked with her husband, sister Bonnie (Clure) Kaminski and brother-in-law Kenneth Kaminski. At this time the couple relocated from Oak Creek to living full time in Rhinelander. Throughout her life Carol enjoyed a variety of activities including baking, beach vacations, cooking, gardening, sewing, snowmobiling, time on the lake, and playing bonuses on slot machines at the casino.

She will be missed by many and fondly remembered for her devotion to family and giving nature. Carol delighted in giving not only presents but also in providing canned goods, frozen meals, and baked goods to her loved ones.

Carol is preceded in death by her mother Melva, father Lester and sisters Rita Clure and Sharon (Clure) Tews. Carol is survived by her husband Jerry, daughter Becky, granddaughter Amber, and sister Bonnie. 

She is further survived by nieces and nephews Matt (Beth) Kaminski, Nicole (Steve) Huebner and Paul (Leanne) Sobczak along with other beloved family members, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Carol's life will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Carlson Funeral Home in Rhinelander. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to your favorite charity in her name. You may leave your private condolences for the Carol’s family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the VanderPlaats family.