Carolyn Joyce Krauss

And so it was. On November 11, 2025, surrounded by her husband and children, and having just heard Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer, Carolyn took her final breath here on earth to hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant!” from her Savior Jesus.

Carolyn was born to Eric and Dorothy (Goebel) Keller on April 13, 1938 in Chicago, IL. They preceded her in death (1985, 2004) as well as her brother Eric Keller. She attended Proviso High School with her lifelong friend Gloria Trifone. She married at 16 and had a daughter Deborah and 5 years later a son, Michael. She met and married Roy Dunkel on August 24, 1963. Roy preceded her in death (2010). They had a son Robert. In 1969, the family moved to Appleton, WI and have lived there since. She enjoyed family vacations, camping, playing cards, needlepoint, and planting flowers. Carolyn was a stay at home mother until she became employed at St Elizabeth Hospital. She also worked for JoAnn Fabrics, Shopko, and Banta Healthcare Products until she retired in 1999. Five years after her husband Roy’s death, she met her current husband Steve Krauss and were married February 20, 2016. Steve and Carol enjoyed church, eating out, trips to Door County, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Steve. 3 children: Deborah Antley, Michael (Kris) Dunkel, and Robert Dunkel. 2 stepchildren, Tracy (Bruce) Komassa and Heather Krauss (Peter Kuehl). 8 grandchildren: Ashley and Casey Antley; Sam (Cindy) Roberts, Sydnee (Tim) Winston and Nicholas Dunkel (Kayla Jansen), Grant and Trent Enli; and Robin Clumpner. 9 great grandchildren: Leah, Hayden, and Sophie Roberts; Lily, Lief, and Atlas Winston; Charlene, Dominic, and Dean Clumpner.

A special thank you to Compassus Hospice, Brightstar Home Care, and Kris Dunkel for the hospice care they gave Carolyn in her final days. Carolyn was baptized May 15, 1938 and received a Believers Baptism on June 19, 2016. She was a member of Zion Lutheran in Bellwood, IL for 30 years, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Appleton, WI for 47 years, and currently a member of Fox River Baptist for the last 9 years. Carolyn believed with her whole heart that God so loved her that He sent His one and only Son so she could have everlasting life with Him. Jesus has prepared a room just for her. Where there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. She is healed from her chronic pain and has finished her race. She kept the faith.

A memorial service for Carolyn will take place on Saturday November 22, 2025, at 11:00am at Fox River Baptist Church, 2700 E Henry Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the service begins.