FITCHBURG - Carol Lynn Larsen, age 76, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on Jan. 3, 1946, in Waukesha, the daughter of Alvin and Bea (Knoblauch) Kaepernick.

A captain of the cheerleading team, Carol graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1964. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education. While in college, she met Erling “David” Larsen and they wed on Aug. 10, 1968, in Waukesha.

Carol endeavored in many professions over her lifetime. She taught fourth grade at Franklin and Thoreau Elementary schools for six years before her children were born. She transitioned to homemaker until her children were in grade school, and then began a new career as a cosmetologist. Working in various nursing homes in the Madison area, she provided hair and nail services to senior residents for 25 years. She always wanted “her ladies” looking perfect. She left cosmetology in 2009 to help care for her grandchildren.

Carol was very passionate about her family. With David by her side, she spent many hours at soccer fields and ice rinks cheering on their children’s athletic pursuits. When they weren’t cheering for their kids, they rooted for the Wisconsin Badgers, being season ticket holders for football and basketball for over 50 years.

A creative soul, you could often find Carol giving haircuts or perms to friends and neighbors in her kitchen, or seated at her sewing machine. She sewed many competition figure skating dresses for her daughter and other skaters in the Madison area.

She and David also enjoyed travelling. They had many memorable trips with their family and good friends, Barb and Del Vanderploeg, including visits to Canada, Ireland, Austria, Italy and Germany.

Carol is survived by her husband of 53 years, David; son, Kristofer (Emily) Larsen; daughter, Emily (Brian) Porter; and four grandchildren, Maxwell Larsen, Teagan Larsen, Kendall Porter, and Landon Porter. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jack Kaepernick.

A memorial service will be held at RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 6705 Wesner Road, Verona, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, led by Pastor Nathan Strutz. There will be a short visitation before the ceremony starting at 10 a.m. There will also be a casual gathering held at GREAT DANE PUB - Hilldale, 357 Price Place, Madison, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, where friends and family are invited to come and share memories of Carol.

Memorials may be gifted in Carol’s name to UW Athletics or St. Mary’s Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Carol Lynn Larsen

January 03, 1946 - February 12, 2022

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