Carol Jean Jones Grundy

• Visitation Friday, July 31, 2026 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 6700 S. Howell Ave. Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 9:00 AM until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.

Carol Jean Grundy (nee Kralovetz) was born on July 31, 1939, in the family home in Eagle, Wisconsin, to Jacob and Emma (nee Schmidt) Kralovetz. She entered eternal life on July 23, 2026, at the age of 86.

Carol was the third of five children, growing up alongside her sisters Delores, Arlene, and Elaine, and her brother Harvey. Her early childhood was spent in Eagle before the family moved to Electric Avenue in Milwaukee. Those early years shaped many of the interests she carried throughout her life. She treasured time spent fishing with her father and, under her mother’s patient guidance, learned to sew while she was still a young girl. That skill became one of her lifelong gifts.

Education was important to Carol, and she worked hard to earn it. She attended Lutheran grade school before continuing on and  graduating from Racine Lutheran High School in 1957. Determined to continue her education, she worked summer jobs to pay her own tuition and, with her mother’s help, even sewed much of her own wardrobe. She later graduated from Alverno College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Carol built an impressive career at Prime Manufacturing in Oak Creek, where her dedication and leadership led her to become Vice President of Manufacturing before her retirement. While she was proud of her professional accomplishments, she also embraced the roles that mattered most to her, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker.

She was blessed with her daughter, Cheryl, and her son, William. In 1981, Carol married Ronald R. Grundy, beginning a partnership filled with faith, adventure, and service. Through their marriage she also welcomed Andrew and Daniel as her stepsons.

Carol and Ron shared a love of seeing the world together. Their travels took them through ten countries across Europe and as far as Australia, and when they weren’t overseas, they enjoyed exploring the United States in their motorhome. No matter how far they traveled, they were happiest when the journey was one they could share.

Her sewing remained a constant throughout her life. Family members wrapped themselves in blankets stitched by Carol’s hands, and if someone needed comfort, she was likely already planning the next quilt. She believed the best gifts were the ones made with time, care, and love.

Her faith was something she lived each day. Although she did not serve in the military, she was a proud supporter of Ron and the Great Lakes Base of the Submarine Veterans. Together they also volunteered with Builders For Christ, traveling from Alaska to Nebraska to help build churches in six different locations. Generosity simply came naturally to Carol.

At home, one of her most devoted companions was her Chihuahua, Gus, who rarely strayed far from her side.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband, Ronald R. Grundy; her cherished children, Cheryl Jones and William (Sloane) Jones; her stepson, Daniel Grundy; her  4  grandchildren, Jacob, Joseph, Aaron, and Kendra; nine great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Emma Kralovetz; her stepson, Andrew Grundy; and her siblings, Delores Smith, Arlene Lemke, Harvey Kralovetz, and Elaine Mevis.

Carol will be missed by all who knew her. 

Visitation Friday, July 31, 2026 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 6700 S. Howell Ave. Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 9:00 AM until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.