Carol Jean (nee: Smalancke) Holbus, age 84, was born September 29, 1939 in Racine, WI, the daughter of the late John and Lydia (nee: Ebe) Smalancke. Carol passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.

Carol was a 1957 graduate of Washington Park High School. On January 3, 1959, Carol married the love of her life, John King Holbus.  Over the next 62 years, Carol and John raised three children: Tom (Beth), Jane (Jeff) Lui, and Susan (Steve) Torosian. They were also blessed with 5 grandchildren, Melanie (Matt) Urban, Joshua and Jessica Lui, Sophia and Sara Torosian; 3 great-grandchildren, Zoe Regner, Connor Lui, and Henry Urban.

She is survived by her children and grand/great grandchildren, brothers, John Smalancke and Richard Smalancke; sister-in-law, Barbara (Ray) Governatori; brother-in-law, Dick Meinert; special niece, Debbie (Steven) Engelstad; special nephew, David (Cristina) Webb;  and many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; daughter-in-law, Robin Holbus; sister, Ruth Webb; brother, Robert Smalancke; sister-in-law, Donna Meinert; and dear friend, Janet Cranley.

With a tireless work ethic, Carol worked for Knight-Barry Title Company, retiring as Senior Title Examiner after 40 years of service.

As a mother to three children, Carol enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader and a Room Mother at McKinley Elementary. She was known for her baking, especially her Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookies. Even as adults, her children's childhood friends would comment on the cookies!

Throughout her years, Carol enjoyed tending to her flower garden and prided herself on displaying the "last rose of summer". She enjoyed playing the organ, decorating the home for Christmas, country line dancing, and picking strawberries and blueberries. Carol and John both enjoyed bicycle riding and later, their Harley Davidson, taking it to several Harley anniversary events. Later, they traded in their hog for ATVs. After retiring, they were proud to volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

Carol was a devoted grandmother, and the grandkids enjoyed coming over to swim in their pool, play Mario Kart or cribbage, or just to spend time with grandma and grandpa. Her grandkids remember their annual Christmastime sleepover and its traditions, decorating their Christmas tree and enjoying Carol's monkey bread and homemade breakfast. Carol and John both enjoyed attending their children's and grandchildren's school functions, sporting events, and more, proudly celebrating their achievements. They were so happy to be able to take the entire family to Disney World – twice.

Services will be at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with visitation from 4:00pm-6:00pm and service at 6:00pm with Father Brian Holbus officating. Private inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and aides at Ascension All Saints Hospital for the care they provided our mom. A special thank you to Stephanie (and Tristan) in Palliative Care for walking us through so much and to Miranda on the 5th floor who was such a help in our mom's final days. Everyone's care and compassion will not be forgotten.

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