Carol Rose (Schmidt) Hintze, 86, of Oshkosh, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8
th
, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 22, 1938, to Viola and Clarence Schmidt, Carol was a lifelong Oshkosh resident. She graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1956. She married her best friend, Gerald Jerome Hintze on October 26, 1963, and together they raised two daughters, Paula Sue and Peggy Sue. They enjoyed 45 beautiful years of love, travel, celebration and shared joy. Their deep love, friendship and devotion was clear for all to see. Carol was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI, and now rests in the arms of her Savior.
Carol was a fierce fighter and advocate for those she loved most: her husband, her daughters and their families, and especially her grandsons Dillon & Ryan, her beloved fur babies Poky, Penny and her many fur grandbabies. She was a regular presence, cheering on her grandsons in their sporting endeavors, school activities and life in general.
Carol lived a very full life, balancing work, family and many volunteer activities. Early on, Carol worked alongside her mother at their popcorn stand on the south side of Oshkosh. She also worked at Wisconsin Telephone Company, Wisconsin National Life Insurance Company, the Town of Winnebago Post Office, and sharing 'samples' at Pick N' Save before retiring and celebrating at her favorite restaurant, Lara's Tortilla Flats. Her career was always complimented by a deep commitment to volunteering and holding various leadership positions with organizations including Elk Ladies, Elks Lodge #292, Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh Senior Center, Women's Bowling Association and Oshkosh Women's Association.
Carol's love for socializing and having fun was evident in her many activities: bowling leagues at the T & O, golf leagues at Utica Golf Course, and involvement in the PTA when her daughters were in school. She also cherished hosting card clubs, enjoying happy hours with friends, neighbors and family. She greatly enjoyed attending concerts, particularly those of her favorite singer, Bobby Vinton. Holidays were always a special time for Carol, who was known for her elaborate decorations — from Christmas villages to her extensive Santa and bunny collections. She brought joy and cheer to everyone around her with her festive spirit. Carol will always be remembered for her insatiable appetite for The Game Show Network on TV.
Carol's passion for travel began with adventures with her girlfriends and continued with Jerry, including memorable trips to Elks conventions, Branson, MS, and Bar Harbor, ME. After Jerry's passing, she continued to prioritize travel, taking her daughters and grandsons on trips to Alaska, New York City, Florida, California, and many more. Her favorite vacations included bus tours with the Oshkosh Senior Center to destinations like Atlantic City and New York City. No matter where she went, Carol loved making memories with those she loved. We can't leave out the all-important vacations to Las Vegas. In her later years, she enjoyed day trips to her happiest place on earth -- casinos with friends & family.
She is survived by her two daughters and their families: Paula (Craig) Harvot of Oshkosh, and Peggy (Chris) Brouch of Appleton; grandsons Dillon Brouch of Oshkosh and Ryan Brouch of Nashville, TN and 4 grand pups. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Marilyn 'Mungo' Schmidt, Mary Hintze, Joanne Schlichting, and Judy Wollangk; many nieces, nephews and their families; and many dear friends, both lifelong and recently made. She was kind, social, and fun – qualities that made her a great friend. Those who knew Carol surely consider themselves blessed.
Those preceded her in death include her parents; husband, Gerald 'Jerry' Hintze; brother and sisters-in-law, Darrel Schmidt, Milo 'Buzz' (Deanna) Schmidt, Milton Hintze, Eileen (Walter Hanson/Jim Bronson) Hanson, Eugene (Joyce) Hintze, Neil (Rita) Hintze, Keith (Carol) Hintze, Dennis (Ruth) Hintze, Gabe Schlichting, James Wollangk, Sue (Dick) Ludwig, Glorianne (Dennis) Mattison.
Summing up Carol's life is a difficult task. It was a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family and friends. Always remember to tell your loved ones how much you care and love them — and raise a toast to Carol, with her favorite drink: a brandy and water. Prost!
We'd like to especially thank all the CNAs, RNs, social workers, dialysis staff, housekeeping and food service staff, who have been a part of our mom's last small chapter on earth. Heaven was the ultimate jackpot, and Carol won it.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established for Carol's favorite charities.
Please join us to celebrate Carol's beautiful life on Saturday, November 16, 2024 with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and services at 11:00 AM being held at Seefeld Funeral Home,1025 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI with Pastor Maggie Berndt-Dreyer of Peace Lutheran Church presiding.