Carol Mcdonough

Carol Shirley McDonough, 78, of Rochester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on May 23, 2020 at her home. Carol was born July 12, 1941 in Frederic, WI to Edwin and Daisy (Hansen) Shirley. She was a 1959 graduate of Luck High School and went on to obtain her degree as a medical technologist from Wisconsin State University, Eau Claire in 1963. On June 2, 1962, Carol married Michael McDonough at the Luck Lutheran Church in Luck, WI. Carol worked as a lab technician for the research lab of Dr. John Penniston, a part of Mayo Clinic from 1978 to 1986. Throughout the years, Carol was involved with Girl Scouts, Women's Society of Christian Service, many women's circles at Christ United Methodist Church. Music was a love of Carol's, from taking piano at an early age, teaching her children piano, playing the flute throughout high school, ringing hand bells at Christ United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where she founded and directed the first hand bell group, to organizing small ensembles for holiday events. Carol was an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothes, being a part of sewing one of the biggest flags that was part of the 1976 Rochester Figure Skating show. She also enjoyed crocheting, various other craft projects and finished many quilts over the years. Carol worked to build and maintain the family cabin on Ham Lake, where many friends visited and enjoyed time. She was interested and active in genealogy research and cemeteries and even wrote a book titled "Bone Lake", the history of Bone Lake Township. She enjoyed traveling, although not by plane, and was proud to have visited all 50 states. Carol also enjoyed sending cards and letters, to hear and share updates with friends and family every Christmas. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Michael; four children, Tammy (Chris Ludewig) McDonough, Tim (Karin) McDonough, Patrick (Cory Niedfeldt) McDonough, and Dennis McDonough; four grandchildren, David Coffee, Sara Ludewig, Karyn Ludewig, and Carl Ludewig. Carol is also survived by in laws, Patsy Shirley and Gaye (Dan) Larson as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Daisy Shirley; four brothers, Kenneth, Myron, Wesley and Wayne Shirley and sister, Irene Rasmussen. A time to celebrate Carol's life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather in larger groups. Interment will be at Bone Lake Cemetery in Luck, WI. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the McDonough family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com