Carol Gohlke

Carol A. Gohlke, age 85, of Viroqua, WI, died peacefully on July 23, 2025, at Gundersen Memorial Hospital in La Crosse, WI.

Carol loved books, musical theater, animals, the East Side of Milwaukee, the community of Viroqua, as well as her family and friends. She was known for her dry sense of humor, impatience with anyone who talked too much or too long, and for her quick intellect. An only child, she was raised to be pampered and adored rather than to cook or clean. Despite that, she raised three children as a single mother and worked her way into management at a time when the glass ceiling was very low.

After her children had mostly left the nest, she met and fell in love with Jeff and his two young sons. The two eloped in 1987 and became enamored with the Driftless area of WI on their honeymoon, vacationing most weekends until they were able to move there after retirement.

Once settled in Viroqua, Carol volunteered with the library, proudly championing the construction of the McIntosh Memorial Library building and serving on their board for over 20 years, as well as volunteering with the Driftless Humane Society and the Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission. In her leisure time, she was a member of several book clubs and, much to her amazement, learned how to knit and felt with the help of her friends at Ewetopia Fiber Arts.

Carol was a beloved mother to Jill (Dan), J. Michael, Avis (Zane), Jared, and Jason (Dawn); and grandmother to Alex, Merrick, Ruthie, Emmy, and Susan. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jeff, her parents, Phyllis S. Golden and James B. Golden, and her dear pup, Buffy.

The family plans to hold a private celebration of Carol’s life and requests that any charitable donations in her memory be directed to the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua, WI, to support the development of a new community center space.

Online condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com

Vosseteig Funeral Home and Crematory in Viroqua is serving Carol's family.

123 W Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

608.637.2100