Carol J Pesch, born on July 27th 1959, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was the daughter of John Papaceck and Dorothy Papaceck (Kihm). Carol lost her battle to stage 4 gastroesophageal cancer at Gundersen Hospital on November 18th, 2025. She passed peacefully while being sung ‘The Best Day’, by Taylor Swift, in the arms of her loving husband, John Pesch, and her beloved daughters, Kasey (Jacob) Burg and Madison Pesch. Carol’s light will continue to shine through her siblings Gregg (Becky) Nordstrom, Joanne (John) Heup, and Mary Murphy. Over her lifetime, Carol has had many furbabies including Howard, Sally, Annie, Inky, Lilly, Boots, Buddy, and Toby.

Carol has always been a bright light to everyone in her life. Carol was part of the Aquinas High School class of 1977. She also attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. After her schooling, she spent many years working at the La Crosse Brewery and made numerous life-long friendships. She recently became a caregiver at a nonprofit, Neighbors in Action, in La Crescent, Minnesota where her heart spread like wildfire through Houston County.

Since she was born, Carol has always been a member of the bowling community. Her father and Uncle Clarence Papacek were part owners of Pla-Mor Lanes in 1965. Pla-Mor is fittingly where she met John Pesch, the love of her life. She and John tied the knot on May 14th 1994. Carol greatest joy in life was being a devoted mother who gave everything to her two daughters, Kasey Burg, and Madison Pesch.

Carol has lived a life of happiness, love and laughter. She has an extraordinary passion for all Wisconsin sports teams, but especially the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Carol, and one of her best friends Cheryl Larkin, are famous for holding a “THE BREWERS ARE WORLD SERIES” bedsheet at the Brewers Game 5 on October 10th, 1982 to make it to the World Series! (See image below!)

In recent years, Carol has also created a soft spot in her heart for Gnomes. We have tens, if not a hundred, gnomes in our house, of various colors and themes. These stay around all year long: not just the holiday season! Carol also has a knack for keeping plants alive. We called it “Carol’s Plant Spa” when Maddy and Kasey’s plants needed rescuing! A couple days/weeks with Carol, and a plant would spring back to life! We counted over 100 plants in our dining/living room one time! (Not even including Carol’s garden around the house and on the deck!) Carol’s heart was extended to all living creatures: humans, plants, and especially animals. She had a special connection with animals who seemed to connect with her on another level. Birds would land on her shoulder, she was always the dogs’ favorite companion, and ensured that the birds ate before she did.

Carol has reunited with her parents, John Papaceck and Dorothy Papacek (Kihm), her sister, Janet Nordstrom, one of her best friends Cheryl Larkin, and her furbabies Howard, Buddy, Sally, Annie, Inky, and Boots, and her many other beloved family and friends.

Carol Pesch was a woman of kindness, humility, compassion, and love. She has always shined so bright, that the stars could never compete with her radiance. One would be blessed to have experienced a moment in this lifetime with her. If you were lucky enough to have her in your life, she will be watching over you and she loved you more than you’ll ever know.

A celebration of Carol’s Life will be held on Monday, December 8th, from 1pm to 4pm at All Star Lanes & Banquets - 4735 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601. This is the same venue that graciously hosted the Carol's Cause benefit. In accordance with Carol’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Long Live Carol J Pesch

July 27, 1959 - November 18, 2025