Carol Jean Kussow

Carol Jean Kussow, born September 20, 1940 in Milwaukee, WI passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026.

Carol spent her early years with her parents, Elmer and Ethel (Hoslett) Malcore, and beloved younger brother, Ronald Malcore. She met Kenneth Kussow at the Cinderella Club in Appleton, Wisconsin, beginning a love that would span a lifetime. She became a farm wife, although she would be quick to point out that she left the farm chores including milking cows to others. Throughout her life, Carol held a variety of jobs, from bridal and retail sales to cooking at the Apple Creek Inn.

Together, Carol and Ken raised five daughters, affectionately known as the “Five of a Kind.” As their family grew, it brought plenty of noise and laughter, with Carol remaining the steady center of it all.

Her faith was woven quietly throughout her life. She spent many years volunteering at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Wrightstown, organizing the phone tree that brought people together and joined Ken in supporting St. John’s Lutheran Church. At home, Carol could often be found saying her rosary while overlooking the farm, her garden and watching the birds outside.

In her later years, Carol and Ken traveled across the country in their RV. Carol kept an atlas highlighting the roads they traveled, while photographs captured the discoveries, mishaps, and friendships they made along the way. Their travels allowed them to reconnect with family and friends and make new ones wherever the road took them.

Carol’s hands were rarely still. She loved to knit, and those lucky enough to be part of her life eventually received one of her afghans. She loved playing cards, especially Sheepshead, cribbage and Skipbo, and there was rarely a bad time for another game. She also loved puzzles, particularly in her later years, when putting them together became another way to spend time with family.

Carol was preceded in death by husband Kenneth Kussow, brother Ronald Malcore, brothers-in-law Glenn (Red) Ehnerd, Rodger Kussow, and Nobert Kussow.

She is survived by her five daughters, Marie (James) Allard, Arlene (Perry) Deitzler, Kathryn (Scott) Kussow-Hendricks, Laura (Tim) Krzewina, and Kimberly (Tim) Huck; her grandchildren, Heather (Andy Drozd), Sam Allard, Justin Hendricks, Alex (Britney) Gilson, Alexis (Lonnie) Roy, Cassandra Kussow, and Kayla (Gage) Dessart; and her great-grandchildren Lizzie, Raelynn, Lorelai, Kolby, Kylee, Hank, Colton and Levi. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Carol leaves behind strong women, friendships that lasted decades, highlighted roads on old maps and more afghans than anyone could possibly count. Most importantly, she leaves behind family and friends who knew, without question, that they were loved.

A special thank you to the staff of Renaissance by Rennes of De Pere and Bristol Hospice.

Family and friends may visit at St. Clare Parish- St. Paul Site, Wrightstown, on Friday, August 21, from 10:00am until 11:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Santiago Turiano, Jr. officiating. Private burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Wrightstown.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion in Carol’s name.