Carol Porter

Carol Porter, 100, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024. She was born on April 20 (Easter Sunday) 1924, to the late Johan Thorvald and Christine (Tollerud) Ranum. 

She graduated from Logan High School in LaCrosse and was Salutatorian of her class. She played cello in high school. She attended UW Whitewater and graduated in 1945. She taught business education classes in Onalaska and Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She married Lyman Porter in 1946, and they had a long and happy marriage. She was a co-founder in 1974 of The Lamplighter in Minocqua. 

While growing up in LaCrosse, she attended Trinity Lutheran Church and was baptized, confirmed and married there. Carol had many happy memories of family, ice skating, and climbing the bluffs in LaCrosse. She was an avid reader and traveled extensively in her lifetime. One of her favorite memories was of being at the King and Queen of Norway's Coronation. 

Carol was a woman of special compassion and wisdom. She lived a happy and blessed life with dignity and good spirit. Her legacy of love will live on through her family.

She is survived by her son, Craig Porter (partner Denise); sister-in-law, Helen Ranum; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lyman in 2015; her brothers, Juel Ranum, and Donald Ranum. 

A visitation will take place of Friday, November 29, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, at Brainard Funeral Home in Wausau. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM, December 2, 2024, at Oak Grove Cemetery in LaCrosse. 

Memorials may be directed to Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, in Carol's honor, or a charity of your choice. 

A Special Thank You to the wonderful staff at Rennes Rehab, Renaissance Assisted Living, and Aspirus Comfort Care for their kind and compassionate care.