STOUGHTON / VERONA - Carol L. McKinley, age 87, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024. She was born on January 30, 1937, in Mineral Point, Wis., the daughter of Frederick and Frieda (Rolli) Ast. She graduated from Oak Lawn School in 1951 and from Stoughton High School in 1955.

Carol married John F. McKinley on May 3, 1958, at St. James Catholic Church in Madison, Wis., and was a life-long member of the church until the time of her death. She was a member of the Hub City 5 Accordion Group with Rudy Burkhalter as well as an officer of the Maple Grove Lads and Lassies 4H-Club in Verona from 1976 through 1981.

Through the years, Carol was employed by American Family Insurance Company, Park Bank, Universal CIT Credit Union, Royal Typewriter Inc., Middleton Motors, Inc., Dr. John Lager, DDS, and the University of Wisconsin Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies. After her retirement she worked part-time for Verona Ace Hardware Store in Verona, Wis. Carol also volunteered with many churches and with Knights of Columbus Council No. 531. where she had the responsibility for many St. Patrick's Day parties over the years.

Carol enjoyed working in the kitchens of many organizations. She enjoyed baking, sewing, car and truck races, snowmobiling, clowning, and many other outside activities. Closer to home, her many gardens around the house and yard are among her most precious memories. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She will be dearly missed by all.

Carol is survived by her husband, John, of Verona; daughter, Lu Ann McKinley and son-in-law, Charles Woods of Prairie du Sac; grandchildren, Cory Evans of North Freedom and Shane (Emily, Wesley) Evans of Prairie du Sac; sister, Mary Richmond of Deerfield; nephews, Robert (Mimi) Richmond and Jacob of Melrose, Wis.; along with nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick (1974) and Frieda (1997); brothers, Robert Ast (1955) and Maxwell Peterson; and brothers-in-law, Ron Betlach (2018), Glen Richmond (2020) and Gary McKinley (2022).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with Father Andrew Showers presiding. Private burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

Memorials in Carol’s memory may be made to the Badger Honor Flight, Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church Elementary School, or Edgewood High School. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Carol McKinley

January 30, 1937 - October 20, 2024

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