Carol Ann Preston, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, with her family by her side after a long, hard fought battle with breast cancer.
Born on May 22, 1948, in Necedah, Wisconsin to parents Arnold and Sophia (Sue) Cunningham, Carol was one of nine children. The family spent time in Necedah and Mauston before moving to New Richmond where Carol would graduate from New Richmond High School in 1966. Carol married her husband Dennis on October 29, 1966. To this union two children were born, daughter Stacey and son Brad.
Carol lived most of her married life in the Baldwin/Woodville area. She spent many years as an in-home daycare provider. She also worked laundry & housekeeping for the Baldwin Hospital and the Baldwin Care Center. Carol served time on the Woodville Village Board and would volunteer with the Woodville Women’s Club from time to time.
Carol’s favorite job though was being a grandma to her grandsons, Jake & Evan. Her whole world revolved around them. When the boys were smaller, she would have them over for sleepovers, make cookies with them, or do just about anything that created wonderful memories for herself and the boys. As they grew up and became involved in sports and school activities, she would make sure she was at any event that was important to them. This dedication to them was evident until the very end and they were very lucky to have her as their grandma.
Preceding Carol in death were her parents Arnold and Sue Cunningham; son Brad; infant brother Jeffrey; sister Rita Heideman; nephew Jason Heideman; in-laws Donald and Shirley Preston; sisters-in-law Suzanne Zimmer and Audrey Preston.
Carol is survived by her husband of 56 years Dennis (Buz) Preston; daughter Stacey (Scott) Hilmanowske; grandsons Jake Hilmanowske & Evan Hilmanowske; brothers Arnie (Judy) Cunningham, Leon (Sharon) Cunningham, Dennis (Lisa) Cunningham, Richard (Annette) Cunningham; sisters Sharon Cunningham and Pat Cunningham; brother-in-law Dan Preston; many nieces and nephews; her dog Layla as well as grandpups Stanley, Chester and Jim who could always tell when grandma was at their house and would hardly let her in the door before begging for the obligatory treat.
A celebration of life was held from 3 PM to 6 PM on Tuesday, August 27, at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville.
Internment to be at a later date.
Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, handled arrangements.
