On June 29, 2026, Carol Louise (Stockhecke) Strubbe of Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at the age of 83.

Carol was the beloved wife of Dale Strubbe, whom she married in 1962. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Dale's passing in 2022. Their enduring partnership was built on love, laughter, and a life well shared. Together they raised three daughters: Susan, Holly, and Jill.

She was the youngest daughter of Charles Stockhecke and Louise (Lappin) Stockhecke Sloniger. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father Floyd Sloniger, her brother Charles Frederick, and her sister Norma Simmons.

Carol graduated from Unity High School in Mendon, Illinois, and continued her education at Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois. She enjoyed working at Charles A. Stevens women's clothing store, later in loan processing at Financial Federal Trust & Savings Bank in Joliet, Illinois, and also at the Heirloom Shop in Franklin, Tennessee. She took pride in her work and enjoyed the friendships she made throughout her life.

As Dale's career took them to new opportunities, Carol embraced life in several different states, making homes together in Washington, Louisiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Illinois. Wherever they lived, she created a thoughtfully cared for home.

Carol and Dale retired to Tennessee, where they found a place that truly felt like home. They loved the area's scenic beauty, the warmer climate, and the opportunity to enjoy retirement together. They especially enjoyed the lively country music scene, walks at Cheekwood, and shopping in downtown Franklin. Those years brought them many happy memories that they shared with their family and friends.

Carol had a lifelong love of shopping, whether she was searching for the perfect gift, discovering a bargain, or simply enjoying an afternoon browsing with family or friends. She found joy in the little things and especially treasured the time talking with friends and spending time with those she loved. She and Dale enjoyed visiting the beaches of Destin, Florida, and also traveled to England, Hawaii and the Bahamas.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Susan and Richard Plese of Minooka, Illinois, Holly and Matthew Murer of Chicago, Illinois, and Jill Strubbe of Iowa City, Iowa. She was a proud grandmother to Kylie (Tim) Janecek, Colin Plese, Cole Plese, Nolan Balmer, and Eleanora Murer.

A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2026 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee.