Carol Bartlein

Carol Ann Bartlein (Sanders), age 92 of Menasha, WI passed away on May 2, 2026. She was born to the late Alex and Armella (Jacobs) Sanders on April 28, 1934 in Menasha, WI. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, She worked most of her career as a housekeeper for ThedaClark hospital, tending to rooms and keeping the hospital sanitized. Carol married the love of her life, Sam Bartlein in April of 1952 and together, they raised two daughters.

If anything could immediately be said of Carol, it would be that she was a sassy, feisty woman – a real spitfire. She had a sharp tongue and the wit to back it up. She enjoyed playing bingo at the assisted living and nursing home when she could, but her true passion was her garden. You could find Carol outside, tending to her garden on most days. She even found a way to continue her garden after moving into assisted living. More than anything, though, Carol loved her family and cherished every moment she could spend with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She was so proud of everyone she helped to raise.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Samantha (Patrick); her grandkids, Leslie (fiancée Drew), Jarod, Jake (Kherish), Dawn, and Kurt; her great-grandchildren, Amber Lynn, Levi, Carter, Lincoln; her step-great-grandchildren, Anira, Ellie, Kendall, and Treay; two siblings; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her daughter, Laurie; and 6 siblings.

A funeral visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:30 PM on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee St, Menasha, WI 54952 with a funeral service to follow at 1:30 PM. Carol will be laid to rest alongside her husband at St. Mary Cemetery in Menasha, WI following the service.

Carol’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff at Gardenview and Oakridge Assisted Living Homes as well as an extra special thank-you to Kayla at AseraCare Hospice and Dr. Becky Kriha from ThedaCare physicians for all of their care, compassion, and expertise shown to Carol during her time of need.