MIDDLETON - Carol Jean Utter, age 97, of Middleton, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on August 14, 1928, in Madison, the daughter of Emil and Helen (Northrup) Bischoff.

Carol graduated from Middleton High School. In 1946, she was united in marriage to Charles Utter, and they shared 69 happy years together.

Carol was known for her strong work ethic and dedication throughout her career. She worked for American Family Insurance in Middleton for many years. Following her retirement, she continued working at H&R Block and the Middleton Public Library. Earlier in her career, she was also employed at Borman's Clothing Store. Never one to shy away from hard work, Carol often held two jobs at the same time.

Carol embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests. She loved bowling and golfing, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, reading, playing cards with her card groups, and working on jigsaw puzzles. She especially loved to dance and treasured opportunities to travel, visiting destinations throughout Europe and Hawaii. Carol loved dogs. She also enjoyed knitting and took pride in making many of her own sweaters by hand.

Carol is survived by her sons, Larry (Nancy Ellinghaus) Utter and Kenneth (Sandy) Utter; granddaughter, Allison (Nathan) Frohne; grandson, Ian (Caitlin Frawley Utter) Utter; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Samuel and Elouise.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; daughter, Patricia (Gregory) Bolen; grandson, Nathan (Nate) Utter; great-grandson, Charles Michael Frohne; parents, Emil and Helen; brothers, Kenneth (Ilene) Bischoff and Ernest (Yvonne) Bischoff; sister, Shirley (Cliff) Voss; sister-in-law, Ruth Close; and brother-in-law, Jim (Germaine ) Utter.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Burial will take place at Middleton Junction Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses of the TLC Unit at the UW Hospital for their compassionate care. They also wish to thank Agrace HospiceCare for the comfort and support they provided to Carol, and the staff at Brookdale Madison West for their exceptional care and kindness.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Carol Utter

August 14, 1928 - July 12, 2026

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