Carol Jean Wilkening was born on February 14, 1934, in Shible Township, Swift County, to John H. and Alvina S. (Schwartz) Arndt. She was baptized March 1, 1934, and confirmed March 21, 1948, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township. Carol attended country school and Appleton High School.September 9, 1951, she was married to Helmuth "Bud" Wilkening at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They worked together at Bud's Plumbing & Heating where Carol was the bookkeeper and clerk. She was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was responsible for preparing special meals at the VFW. She was also a volunteer at the Nutrition Center and the Home-to-Home Store. Carol enjoyed cooking, gardening, Bingo, having coffee with friends, and especially spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.Carol died on Tuesday morning, November 30th, at Appleton Area Health Services. She had attained 76 years, 9 months, and 16 days of age.She is survived by five children: Kevin (Anne) Wilkening of Appleton, Karla (Chuck) Bennett of Robbinsdale, Darby (Glen) Kajewski of Thief River Falls, Kent (Valeri) Wilkening of Fulda, and Denise (David) Wright of Waseca; nine grandchildren: Amber (Mike) Leach, Brianne Wilkening, John Wilkening, Larissa (Sean) Fitzgerald, Erik Kajewski, Amanda Wilkening, Kassandra Wilkening, CaraLee (Chad) McDonough, and Brendan Wright; two great-grandchildren: Alannah Fitzgerald and Grady McDonough; her sister, Janice Haugen, of Appleton; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Helmuth ??oeBud???, on December 11, 1993, an infant granddaughter, and sister, Shirley Arndt.
