MADISON - Jose Antonio Carus, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025. He was born on July 13, 1933, the son of Jose Antonio Carus and Maria Caridad Teijeiro Ramil.

Jose graduated from the Professional School of Commerce Havana, Cuba as an Accountant and from the University of Havana, Cuba as a Certified Public Accountant.

He was united in marriage to his beloved wife Carmen Carus (Birth Name: Carmen Arias de Vega) on April 15, 1961.

The journey of the Carus Family to the United States and Wisconsin:

After their marriage in 1961, and birth of their son Jose Jr. in 1962, Jose and Carmen made a courageous decision, driven by love and hope for their children’s future. Leaving behind everything they had ever known in Cuba-family, cherished memories, and every worldly possession---they made the heartbreaking sacrifice required of those who wished to escape. At that time, to leave Cuba meant saying goodbye to everything, with no promise of return. Jose set out alone in 1967, traveling to Spain, then to New York, and ultimately settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked tirelessly, determined to build a safe and welcoming home for his family. In 1969, Carmen and their son Jose Jr. were finally able to join him in Philadelphia, and their reunion was filled with joy and relief. Together, they faced the challenges of a new country, always supporting one another. Their family grew in 1973 with the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Luis (named after Carmen’s father Luis), and soon after, Jose’s career took them to Caracas, Venezuela. Three years later, another opportunity brought them to Madison, Wisconsin-a place that would become their home for life. The move allowed Jose Jr. to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in his father’s footsteps and fulfilling dreams that began so many years before with the sacrifice Jose and Carmen made. Since 1979, Madison has been the heart of the Carus family. Jose Jr. and Luis are forever grateful for the sacrifices, strength, and unconditional love their parents showed every step of the way. Their journey is a testament to the power of family, hope, and perseverance. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything!!

Jose worked for the Rayovac Corporation all his life in the United States. He started as a factory line worker and moved up the corporate ladder to Accountant, Controller for South American Operations, and Internal Auditor, retiring in 1995.

Jose was an accomplished dancer and won many dance competitions when he was younger. He loved food and going to restaurants with family and friends. Jose was most proud of his family and cherished the time they spent together. Jose dabbled in many artistic endeavors after retirement, including building a full-scale racing kayak that would rival the aerodynamics properties of any Olympic racing kayak. His family never knew he had that in him, but when asked, he said that he did have it in him but did not have the time prior to retirement because of family obligations and work.

Jose is survived by his wife, Carmen Carus; sons, Jose Antonio Carus, Jr. and Luis (Brenda) Carus; granddaughters, Abigail Maria Carus and Isabella Marie Carus; and grandsons, Vincent Anthony Carus and Simon Leopold Carus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Antonio Carus and Maria Caridad Teijeiro Ramil; and sister, Elena Carus.

Upon Jose’s passing, his beloved wife of 64 years also passed only 12 days after him. They went through this life together in love, and left together in love, just showing that true love does exist in this world.

In lieu of flowers, the Carus family asks that any contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) and/or Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org).

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Jose Carus

July 13, 1933 - October 05, 2025

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