Carol Jean Lacenski

Carol Jean Lacenski (Schaetz), 72, of Denmark, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born on June 10, 1953, to the late Clarence and Apolonia (Schaetz) Pashouwer. She graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1971. She later worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, where she met the love of her life, Clarence “Clary” G. Lacenski Jr. On October 20, 1973, they were united in marriage, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 52 years.

Together, Carol and Clarence raised two children. During their early years, Carol was a devoted stay-at-home mother, not only caring for her own children but also lovingly babysitting and caring for the children of friends. After her children were grown, she returned to work in customer service and retail, where she built meaningful relationships and cherished a close group of friends.

Carol was deeply loving, supportive, and immensely proud of her family. Family meant everything to her, and she especially cherished holidays spent together, camping trips, and time spent going up north with both family and friends. In her retirement, she found great joy in caring for and spending precious time with her granddaughters.

She loved playing board games and cards, especially a good game of sheepshead. Carol loved traveling to include day trips with Clary (counting deer, animals, and RVs along the way), bus trips with friends. This past year she finally crossed Lake Michigan on the Badger ferry with her husband, which was a long-time bucket list adventure.

She enjoyed baking and cooking, decorating for the seasons, bird watching, reading books, tending to her outside flowers, and maintaining her teapot and plate collections. Earlier in life, she enjoyed crocheting and running bear dogs alongside friends and family.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Clarence Lacenski of Denmark; her daughter, Rebecca (Greg) Werchek of Eaton; her son, Mark (Douglas La Luzerne) Lacenski of De Pere; and her three granddaughters, Kaleigh Werchek, Kaitlyn Werchek (Jeffery Schlies), and Meghan Werchek. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, David (Cathy) Lacenski, and loved nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Joseph “Gilbert” Schaetz and Ronald “Ronnie” Pashouwer.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ICU staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay for their compassionate care and dedication.

Funeral services: Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Xavier Amirtham O. Praem presiding. Burial will be All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Denmark, WI.