Carol Ann Steinbach

Carol Ann Steinbach, 69, of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away peacefully at home after short battle with stage 3 pancreatic cancer on September 14, 2026. She was born on April 27th, 1957, to Lyndon Steinbach and Dorothy (Karnopp) Steinbach in Helena, Montana. Her parents were married in Gays Mills in 1952 where farming was a huge part of their lives.

Carol graduated from Seneca High School in 1975 where she then worked various jobs- sewing factory, teacher aide, and manager of a Best Western and Super 8 Motel. She ended her working career after 25 years at Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops in the distribution center where she eventually retired on her 65th birthday.

She was a private person but impacted the ones who had crossed her path. Although she chose to never be married or have children, she was the absolute best mama to her loving cats- Shadow, Autumn, Socks, and Magnet.

After retirement, you could find her doing what she loved most-fishing. Any chance she had to get her pole in the water, she was packing up her stuff to go enjoy the day-sometimes alone. You would often hear her famous line of “be free and grow up to be bigger" and hated catching sheepshead of all the fish in the Mississippi River. Carol was always rooting for the Dallas Cowboys during football season since she was basically their biggest fan since birth. She was always ready to find a bargain and a good find, which is why thrifting was her passion even up till the end.

On July 1st, Carol was given the devastating news-stage 3 pancreatic cancer. That didn't stop her will to live and reminded herself daily " I will beat this and am not going anywhere.” This shows how strong she truly was.

Carol’s last wish since she never bought herself a boat, to get out on the river one last time. She was surprised with friends on a boat cruise on the Maiden Voyage in Marquette, IA who all helped support her day.

Carol is survived by her sister, Marlene Steinbach of La Crosse, WI and her favorite sidekicks, her cats, who will miss her tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyndon (1982); Dorothy (2019); sister, Karen Burgus; and brother, Lynn Steinbach. She was reunited with her loving dogs, Baxter and Macy.

Special thanks to the Oncology team at Mayo both in La Crosse and Eau Claire as well as her care team in hometown of Prairie du Chien. The support helped more than you know during this difficult time of her life.

Per Carol's wishes, there will be no formal service. A private burial will be at a later date in the Gays Mills Cemetery. 

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Carol's family.

325 Sunset Ridge Ave.

Gays Mills, WI 54631

608-735-2100