Carol C. Mietzel

Carol Mietzel, age 78, of Wautoma passed away after losing her battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at her home on Silver Lake. 

She was born on December 31, 1947, in Berwyn, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Charlotte (Crackel) Zinke. She graduated from Lyons Township High School and attended UW-Oshkosh where she met and married Peder “Pete” Culver in 1969. Together they had one son, Peder Culver II, and made their home in New London, WI.

Carol worked in real estate for Wick Homes and Century21. The Culvers moved to Wautoma in 1991, with Carol eventually managing White River Crossings in downtown Wautoma before retirement. Carol and Pete divorced in 1999, but Carol remained in her home on Silver Lake and enjoyed being a member of the ‘sippers’ crew. Several years later she met a wonderful man, Dennis “Denny” Mietzel and they become life partners, eventually marrying in 2007 just before he passed away. Carol loved maintaining her small home with her passions being centered around family heirlooms and antique treasures she found while rummaging. She was content sipping on her diet coke while working in the yard. Carol lived a mostly private life but had some close friends who checked in on her; special thanks to Ev and Arnie for their support during her most challenging times.

 Carol is survived by her son; Peder (Jennifer) Culver, Wautoma; two stepchildren Amy Mietzel, Madison, WI and Casey (Angie) Mietzel, Sun Prairie, WI; one grandchild: Cami and step-grandchildren: Owen, Sierra, and Lillian; and a brother Robert (Sheila) Zinke, Winfield, IL and a nephew, Paul and niece, Hope, as well as her faithful sidekick, Finn, a golden doodle. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Denny, stepson Brandon, and an infant grandchild, Annika. Carol didn’t want a funeral. A small, private celebration of life with family and close friends will be planned, likely this summer, after her granddaughter returns from studying overseas. No memorial funds or gifts are needed, but if desired the Culver family will be establishing a fund with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin to share her blessings among local non-profit entities important to her and the family.