Ann Carol Bietsch, 85, loving wife of the late Reinhold; beloved mother of Robert (Susan) Bietsch, and Jeffrey Bietsch; devoted grandma of Samantha and Thomas;cherished sister of the late Dorothea; treasured sister-in-law of Karin Meiser; daughter of the late Henning and the late Carin; and dear Aunt Carol to many nieces and nephews.

Carol was born and raised in Chicago. She grew up in the shadows of Wrigley Field (Cubs Park back then) where she began her love affair with the Cubs.  She enjoyed spending time with her sister Dorothea and cousin Lillian, as well as Laddy the dog, and her friends. She also relished going camping and fishing with her dad and Uncle Gust. She told of how generous her dad and family were during WWII when they would invite servicemen in for a meal on occasion. She graduated from Lake View High School in 1957 and went to work at Stewart-Warner Corporation.

Carol met Reinhold Bietsch in the late 50's and were married in April of 1961. They lived in Chicago for a brief time and then settled in to their new home in Norridge, Illinois in 1965, where they raised their sons Robert and Jeffrey. Carol was a loving and protective mama bear to her cubs.  When she wasn't taking care of everyone else, she enjoyed gardening and her flowers, and listening to old-time radio. Carol returned to the workforce when the kids were older, first at Wieboldt's and then at Deluxe Check Printers.

Carol and Reiny enjoyed traveling. They visited Germany, Reiny's homeland, Sweden, birthplace of her parents, and many other areas of the Baltic Sea region and Europe.They traveled to Australia and New Zealand as well. They enjoyed cruising at Sea with groups of friends where they visited the Caribbean, Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Panama Canal. They enjoyed travel adventures with their grandkids, at Disney, Acadia National Park, and Lake of the Ozarks.

After Reiny's passing and 52 years in Norridge, Carol moved up to Wisconsin in 2017 to be closer to her sons.  She kept busy going to festivals, the zoo, concerts, church, and parades. Carol passed on her love of traditional Swedish treats like coffee bread, pancakes, and meatballs.

After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's, she passed away peacefully in Germantown, Wisconsin with her sons at hand. Special thanks to all the caregivers at the Matter Haus at the Gables of Germantown, especially Sam, Joan, Emily, and Liz. Additional thanks to Amy and her team at Allay Hospice these last several weeks. We gratefully appreciate all your care, comfort, and support!

Visitation, Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd., Park Ridge, IL. Funeral service to begin at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment to happen at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.

For info, 847-823-5122.