Carol Jean Marklein

Carol Jean (Brierton) Marklein of Janesville passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 26, 2024. Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who greeted everyone with a big smile and open heart. She was the life of any party and the spark of any conversation with her curiosity, keen intellect, quick wit, and love of drama and debate. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing golf and cards, and doing her daily crossword puzzles. She lived a full life of 88 years and will be missed by many.

Carol was born to Joseph and Claire (Guilfoile) Brierton in Waukesha, Wis., on August 14, 1936, and was one of two children in a devout Irish Catholic family. She was a strong student and swimmer in high school, and graduated with a degree in sociology from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee. She then taught junior high school in Westby and West Allis, and traveled extensively in Europe with her future sister-in-law. She later settled in Janesville, where she taught at Craig High School for several years before becoming a full-time mom.

Carol married her loving husband, Donald Francis Marklein, of Clyde, Wis., on August 8, 1964. “Donnie and Carol” lived in Janesville and built a second home at Lake Redstone, where they spent summers and weekends enjoying life. Carol’s favorite place in the world was sitting on the deck at Lake Redstone, looking out over the water and chatting with family and friends. Carol was an avid golfer, and she and Donnie had standing card games with neighbors at the lake. They loved to watch football, snowmobile, water ski and snow ski, and cruise the lake on the pontoon. They spent many winters in Florida and enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and Europe.

Carol and Don had two children – son Tim and daughter Shannon – and they devoted themselves to creating a wonderful childhood for both. Carol was an amazing mother who encouraged, challenged and championed her kids in all of their endeavors. Special memories include annual theater trips with Shannon, playing Boggle and Jeopardy after school with Tim, and family vacations to Ireland and Alaska. Carol was also an involved grandmother who shared life stories and lessons with grandchildren Claire, John, Max and Jordan, and regularly attended their sporting events.

Carol is survived by two children and four grandchildren: her son Tim (Heather) Marklein, and their sons Max and Jordan; and her daughter Shannon (Scott) Bever, and their daughter Claire and son John. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Susan (Phillip) McCarville, Rita (Philip) Marklein and Marlene (James) Marklein.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents Joseph and Claire, her brother Robert Brierton; brothers-in-law James, Robert, William (Pat), Leo and Philip Marklein; and sisters-in-law Mary (Robert) Brierton, Margaret (Russell) Dimick and Catherine (William) Meinel.

Special thanks to the caregivers and nurses at Azura Memory Care and Agrace Hospice, who provided wonderful care for Carol over the last year. We are thankful she was in good hands, and we were able to spend our last days together as a family.

A funeral mass for Carol will be conducted at 11:00 am Friday, January 10, 2025 at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1250 E. Racine St., Janesville, followed by a burial service at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Janesville. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 10.

In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to Agrace Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity. Please hold your family close and share your love as much as you can. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY of Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.