Carol Jean Walker

Carol Jean Walker, 57, of Wakarusa, passed away Thursday morning, April 3, 2014, in Goshen General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born December 21, 1956 in Mishawaka, a daughter of Thomas and Helen (Kotal) Trippel. She grew up in Madison Township and was a 1975 graduate of Marian High School.

Carol married Gary L. Schmeltz on February 17, 1979. She later married Terry A. Walker on October 14, 1995.

Carol was employed at Newmar Corporation in Nappanee. Previous places she worked included United Tool and also Kelly Manufacturing in Mishawaka.

Carol was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She was talented with handy crafts, especially crocheting. Carol loved being outdoors working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, bowling and spending time with family and friends. Family fishing trips to Rice Lake, Canada, were especially memorable to Carol.

Carol’s surviving family includes her husband, Terry; her mother, Helen Trippel; two sons, Adam (Jennifer) Schmeltz and Aaron Walker; three step children, Travis (Sarah) Walker, Tara Walker and Ashley Walker; eight step grandchildren; five sisters, Ann (Pat) Watts, Katherine (Howard) Davis, Christine (Daniel) McGrew, Julia (Michael) Neland and Barbara (Thomas) Obren; a brother, Philip (Susan) Trippel; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who Carol dearly loved.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Trippel; and a brother, Steven Trippel.

Friends may spend time with Carol’s family Monday from 4 – 8 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Carol’s family suggests memorial contributions to the Hello Gorgeous Program. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.