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In Memoriam
Carol Elizabeth Twilt
July 1, 1939 — October 1, 2023
Carol Elizabeth Twilt, age 84, of Rio, departed this life peacefully in the company of family on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Born July 1, 1939, in Warwick, New York, Carol was the first of six children of Ralph and Ida (Schmick) O’Dell. Carol was the first girl born in the “new” St. Anthony’s Hospital and narrowly escaped being given the name Antonia. The O’Dell children who followed were all boys. Carol suspected that her parents chose her to be their first child so they could count on having a babysitter.
Shortly after her birth, Carol was baptized in St. Peter Lutheran Church in Pine Island, New York.
Carol graduated with the Warwick High School Class of 1957. She turned eighteen on July 1. Six days later, on 7/7/57, Carol married Raymond “Mickey” Knapp, Jr., who by all reports was a prince of a fellow. Carol and Mickey had a blissful life together, but briefly: in 1961 Mickey suddenly died. Carol, grieving, attempted to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, but that branch of service had no immediate opening, she has said. She knocked next on the Army recruiter’s door, and soon she was wearing green, her favorite color. Carol served at posts in Alabama, Virginia, and 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany.
By the end of the 1960s, Carol had meandered to the West Coast, graduated from Long Beach City College, become licensed as a registered nurse, and embarked upon a career with ever-increasing responsibility at a VA hospital.
In 1973, Carol married a Shimano bicycle factory manager, Hank Twilt, and became step-mom to Hank’s young children, Ruth and Hank, Jr.
Hank, Sr., had long dreamed of acquiring a bike shop of his own; in 1979 he found one advertised in a trade journal. It was in a town called Columbus, in a state called Wisconsin. Neither Hank nor Carol knew for sure where that was, but they found it on a map, traveled to take a look, wrote up an offer, and returned to California. The offer was not accepted. Six months later, though, the sellers looked up the Twilts and made a deal. Hank happily had his shop, and Carol soon found employment at Columbus Community Hospital, where she worked in many capacities until her retirement in 2008.
As Hank faced a variety of health challenges over many years, Carol faithfully cared for him until his death in 2012. For the last ten years of Hank’s life, he and Carol resided in Rio.
In 2014, Carol married Gordon “Bud” Grossmann, Jr., an immensely fortunate fellow. Bud encouraged Carol in her newly discovered talent for fine photography and helped expand her participation in the events of our community.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert, David, and Everett; and her husbands Mickey Knapp and Hank Twilt. She is survived by her husband Bud Grossmann of Rio, her brothers Daniel of New York and Ronald of Florida, Hank’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many other relatives, and an abundance of much-appreciated friends.
A private family funeral service will be held, with the Reverend Pamela DeNure Priewe officiating. Carol’s ashes will be placed with those of her beloved Hank Twilt in Ohio Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Carol’s family would suggest a memorial gift to a charity of your choice or to Columbia County Humane Society, N7768 Industrial Rd, Portage WI 53901-9451 https://cchswi.org/
Grasse Funeral Service is assisting the family. www.grassefs.com
Please click on the following link if you
would like to see more photos of Carol.
Some PoDs from Sep & Oct 2023
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