Carole Marie Merde

November 13, 1940 – March 14, 2023

Carole Marie Merde, 82, of Iola, Wisconsin, went to her heavenly home on March 15, 2023.

She was born on Nov. 13, 1940, in the Town of Oak Grove to Edward and Wilma (Longseth) Ferg.

Carole married Julian Merde on Dec. 16, 1961, in Northland Lutheran Church.

In her early years, Carole worked at Zwicker’s knitting mill in Waupaca. For 45 years Carole was a floor supervisor at the Del Monte canning factory working the night shift. During the off-season, Carole worked at Crystal Cafe in Iola.

Carole enjoyed gardening, canning, feeding the birds, and supporting her grandson’s sporting events. She was a seamstress who sewed her own wedding dress as well as matching outfits for her daughters and their dolls. She enjoyed embroidering pillowcases and dresser scarves.

She is survived by her husband Julian of 61 years; children Cindy Craigie of Pflugerville, Texas, and Julie Maher of Iola; three grandchildren Karl Craigie, Ian Craigie, and Austen (Cody) Lane; great-grandchild Ronin Lane; brother William (Elaine) Ferg of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; sisters Maxine Worth of Stevens Point, and Beverly Stanislawski of Stevens Point; and sister-in-law Patricia Ferg of Stevens Point.

She was preceded in death by her father Edward Ferg, mother,Wilma Ferg, and brother Edward Ferg.

Carole was the definition of selflessness, whether it was making people’s lives easier, joyous, safe, or putting a smile on someone’s face. It was her sole purpose to interact and bring joy to as many people as she could. She made all of our lives better and in turn we all became better people to have known someone like her.

The Funeral Service for Carole will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Northland Lutheran Church with Mary Fiane officiating. Visitation will be held at the Voie Funeral Home in Iola on Sunday, March 19, from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be at Northland Lutheran Cemetery.