Thern, Carol Jean

Carol Jean Thern (Gruel) (1937 – 2011), New London, age 74, was called to her heavenly home Tuesday evening, November 29, 2011 at the Appleton Medical Center. Carol was born in Symco on March 10, 1937, daughter of Eunice Gruel (Ferg) and the late Rhinard Gruel. Carol was a graduate of Little Wolf High School in Manawa and attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point for 3 years. She finished schooling at Green Bay Badger Business College where she met the love of her life. On August 19, 1961 Howard and Carol were united in marriage at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Symco. She always took care of him and enjoyed their many memories together. She worked at AAL and after her first son was born in 1965 became a stay at home mom. She enjoyed raising her three sons and took much pride and joy in them. Carol’s greatest joys in life were reading books, spending time with family, and enjoying a cup of coffee with her husband and friends at Familiar Grounds every morning. She liked helping Howard with his apple business, especially helping him sell apples at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Appleton. She always enjoyed visiting her mother Eunice and spending time with her. She loved making desserts for her 10 grandchildren, teaching them to knit, crochet, cook and many other activities. She is survived by her husband, Howard Thern; her mother, Eunice Gruel; her three sons: Allan, daughter-in-law, Chris Thern, and their children: Emalie, Olivia, Isaiah, and Alicia Thern; Kurt (Gina) and their children: Brock, Haden, and Kaia Thern; William (Patti) and their children: Tayler, Dustin, and Alaina Thern; sister-in-law Dorothy Engel, sister-in-law Helen Thern, brother-in-law Jerome Thern, and sister-in-law Charlene Kawleski; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Rhinard Gruel and her only brother David Gruel, brother-in-law Harland Thern, sister-in-law LaJoy Thern, sister-in-law Joyce Thern, brother-in-law John Thern, sister-in-law Sandy Thern, and brother-in-law John Engel. A funeral service for Carol was held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 203 N. Nash St. Hortonville, with Rev. Ralph Rosenberg officiating. Family and friends called directly at church Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Ellington Cemetery, Township of Ellington. A special thanks goes to all the doctors and nurses in the ICU department at AMC who cared for Carol. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School. Borchardt & Moder Funeral Home, 109 W. Main St., Hortonville www.borchardtmoderfuneralhomes.com