Carol M. Ress, 79, of Marshfield, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born to Frank and Helen (Wyman) Nikolay on July 26, 1946, the seventh of eight children. She was raised in the Town of Day - Rozellville, Marathon County, living her childhood on the family dairy farm. This is where she built her strong work ethic.

Carol was a 1964 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School. She married Roger L. Ress on May 13, 1972, at St. Andrew's Church, Rozellville. Together they raised two children, Sara and Mark, in Marshfield.

Carol was fulfilled working her entire adult life until her passing. Retirement was never a word in her vocabulary. Nearly all this time was spent with GM car franchises in Marshfield, notably Crown Olds-Cadillac (Pontiac came later), and then her past 30+ years with Wheelers Chevrolet GMC. While she called herself a "bookkeeper", that title understates the roles and impact Carol made in the office, and to the entire dealership. She took much pride and ownership in her work, believing strongly in the principles of making your own way, and knowing the value of a dollar.

Devout in her Catholic faith, Carol was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She also enjoyed and kept busy with many pastimes – sewing, knitting, quilting, crafting, baking, cooking for her family, shopping for home decor with Sara, and following Wisconsin sports with Roger and Mark, to name a few.

Carol loved sending personal greeting cards to family and friends, be it words of encouragement, sympathy, good health, or to celebrate a holiday or birthday. Getting a card from Carol in the mail will be so missed. Her words of wisdom in quoting adages and sayings will be remembered fondly – some memorable ones: "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones", "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar", "That's like the pot calling the kettle black", "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched", and "Beggars can't be choosers".

Carol was a dedicated wife, homemaker, advisor, teacher, friend, and caregiver. But above all, being Mom to Sara and Mark was the most important role in her life. She also valued being a "Mom" to those at the dealership.

She is survived by her husband Roger, and their children, Sara Ress of Savage, MN, and Mark Ress of Marshfield and Savage, MN. She is further survived by two sisters – Kathleen Reigel of Marshfield, and Betty Worzella of Plymouth, WI. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her four brothers – Frank Jr., Pat, Jerry and Bob Nikolay, and her sister, Jean Sazama.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield. Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will take place in Gate of Heaven Columbarium, Marshfield. Memories and words of condolence may be shared online at www.rembsfh.com or sent to the family home in Marshfield.

In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, make a donation in Carol's name to Blood Cancer United, or another nonprofit charity of your choice. Finally, the best tribute and way to honor Carol is to live life selflessly like she did (with maybe a dose of Carol's sass thrown in!). Mom always placed the needs and feelings of others ahead of her own. She will be deeply missed by those that know her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the health care professionals and assistants who cared for, and treated, Carol over the years.