Carol A. Dobrunz Obituary (1935 - 2013)

Carol A. Dobrunz, age 77, of Menomonie, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at Dunn County Health Care Center in Menomonie. She turned her extended fight with cancer into another opportunity to witness about the power and love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born August 2, 1935 in La Crosse, WI to Waldo 'Wad' Dobrunz and Ethel (Bartz). She grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Logan High School, La Crosse, and was inducted into the Logan High School Wall of Fame in 1998 Carol's educational background alone is outstanding. She earned a Bachelor of Science, UW-La Crosse, 1957; a Master of Science, University of Michigan, 1964, and a Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oregon, 1973. Carol began her professional career as a teacher, teaching algebra, and physical education in high school in Seymour, WI and then at Homestead High in Mequon, WI. Like so many other teachers, she was an extra-curricular activities advisor. In 1965, she took her career in a different direction of education when she began at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie. Beginning as an instructor, she eventually became professor of physical education, chairperson of Health and Physical Education, associate dean of the school of Liberal Studies, and eventually Assistant Vice-Chancellor. Besides her local, state and national activities, Carol Dobrunz is particularly known for her tireless efforts to seek additional indoor physical education facilities and to further the women's athletic program at Stout. She became treasurer of the Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, president of the Menomonie Area AAUW, board member of the Myrtle Werth Hospital, and treasurer of the Dunn County Chapters of the American Red Cross. Carol's active participation in the Delta Psi Kappa was based on her awareness of the impact that this fraternity had upon both undergraduate and graduate students. She has also worked so that the Wisconsin Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, is on a sound, permanent financial basis to work for the good health of children and adults. Carol Dobrunz is indeed an individual of accomplishment. The unique aspect about Dobrunz however, is that her ability combined with her education has allowed her to make a difference. She did not lose sight in the abyss of self but made conscious decisions for the benefits of others. Carol was also a life-long and accomplished golfer, enjoyed traveling, and was deeply committed to and involved in her churches in both, Menomonie, WI and Fort Myers, FL. Carol is survived by her cousins Elizabeth (Ted) Jacobson of Racine, WI, Sally Dobrunz of St Louis, MO and Lorraine (Robert, Sr) Weber of Hinsdale, IL, godchildren Aaron Axelson and Bob Weber and numerous second cousins and other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Menomonie, with Pastor Brett Voigt officiating. There will be visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 in Woodlawn Cemetery in La Crosse, WI. Following is a list of memorial contributions as specified by Carol. - Stout University Foundation, Menomonie, WI - Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, La Crosse, WI - Mable Tainter Memorial Theater, Menomonie, WI - Sigma State Foundation - Nettesheim Literary Competition Endowment, Memomonie, WI - UW-La Crosse Foundation, Dobrunz Endowment Fund - St Croix Lutheran High School-Scholarship Fund, West St Paul, MN - Luther High School, Onalaska, WI - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Milwaukee, WI - American Red Cross - Chippewa Valley Chapter, Altoona, WI