Carol J. Hardel

January 20, 1936 – November 29, 2022

Carol J. Hardel, 86, of Scandinavia, Wisconsin, passed away on Nov. 29, 2022, at The Willows in Iola, Wisconsin, where she had been a resident.

She was born on Jan. 20, 1936, in Scandinavia to the late Emil and Faith (Lamb) Hansen.

Carol married Ronald Hardel on June 16, 1956, in Scandinavia, and they enjoyed 66 wonderful years together.

Carol started her teaching career in Birnamwood, Wisconsin, and also taught as a substitute teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Iola-Scandinavia. She went on to work in a career with the U.S. Postal Service until she retired.

Carol loved and enjoyed children. Throughout her life she influenced and blessed many with the way she taught and cared for others. Carol and Ron opened their home to care for foster children and anyone who needed help. The Hardel home was always filled with love and activity with many people coming to visit.

Carol was very involved with Scandinavia Lutheran Church. She and Ron taught Sunday School and led Luther League. Carol enjoyed Bible studies with the Patience Circle and put together programs for the Women’s group. She delivered food to many in need and enjoyed being on the visitation committee. Carol also loved to sing in the choir.  

She is survived by her husband Ronald; children Lana (Rick) Bonikowske, Jeff (Jen) Hardel, Brad (Shannon) Hardel, Dale (Cathy) Hardel, and Lisa Hardel; 11 grandchildren, Sara, Jason, Jamie, Justin, Jenna, Joe, Josh, Bradly, Brye, Amanda, and Bailey; 17 great-grandchildren, James, Jeremiah, Jude, Marcus, Jaxson, Kamden, Jordan, Jaiden, Jace, Everette, Harper, Emma, Jacob, Leighton, Lincoln, Ruby, and Gideon; along with brother Hans Hansen and sister Betty Biedermann.

She was preceded in death by her brother Bob Hansen; sisters Beulah Torgerson, Marge Neubauer, and Alice Thompson; and granddaughter Brynn Hardel.

 The Funeral Service for Carol will be held on Monday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at Scandinavia Lutheran Church, with Rev. Kent Wallace, Pastor, officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery in Scandinavia.

 The family would like to thank the Staff at The Willows for the exceptional care provided to Carol while she was a resident.