Carol Hansel

Carol Hansel, a woman of immense heart, devotion, and unwavering kindness, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026 at the age of 84.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Lester Edwards and Della Pleau, Carol attended Green Bay East High School. She furthered her education to become a licensed practical nurse, dedicating her career to helping others. She married Ronald Hansel and had three children while living in multiple states as their jobs moved about the country. Carol would start many stories with “When I lived in…” and she could remember the smallest of details of every place she lived. Carol eventually settled back in Ashwaubenon while her children finished school.

After her own children were grown, she continued caring for others by being a foster parent of individuals with disabilities, volunteering in a school reading program, caring for her own grandchildren, and most recently serving as a Foster Grandparent with a local Green Bay childcare. She glowed when she spoke of all the young one and two year olds who would keep her on her toes, share all the books and snuggles, and keep her young at heart. We loved seeing Carol’s eyes light up as she told us about her day at daycare. Her care for others stemmed from being the oldest of sixteen children.

In Carol’s free time she loved to “go bumming” or take her daily walk in nature or in a local store. She sure was proud of her two miles a day! She was an avid reader and accumulated quite the personal library, including favorite mysteries from Agatha Christie and about Sherlock Holmes. Carol’s love of reading and words extended to a daily Scrabble game with herself; she often bragged that she always won. She kept peanuts on hand for the chipmunks and squirrels and sunflower seeds for the jays and cardinals.

A resilient cancer survivor with strong values and a quiet, fierce independence, Carol lived and loved life on her own terms. Carol enjoyed travel and spent a few years living in New Hampshire so that she could be close to family and explore every inch of the East Coast, which remained her favorite destination. Even though she loved the East Coast, her journey brought her home to Green Bay.

Her biggest smiles would come when she could spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was deeply devoted to them, and was always sure to send a thoughtful card for every important occasion (and sneak an extra cookie or an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream for their blueberries). Her role as a grandmother was perhaps her greatest joy; she took immense pride in every milestone, and her influence will live on in the stories her grandkids tell and the values they carry forward.

Above all else, Carol was defined by her tender devotion to her family; always providing unconditional support and love. She will be missed beyond measure but her love and stories will stay with us forever. Rest in peace, Carol.

She is survived by her three children: Lisa Hansel (Jay), Christopher Hansel (Crystal), and Laura Westphal (Scott); and her five cherished grandchildren: Adam (25), Chase (24), Chloe (22), Catherine (18), Isaac (17).

Visitation at Malcore Funeral Home, 1530 W Mason St Green Bay, Friday April 17, from 2 PM until the time of the service at 3 PM.