Carol J. Torresani

Carol Cwiklo Torresani, age 81, of Wausau, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 in her home. Born March 10, 1936 in Wisconsin Rapids, she attended Saint Lawrence Grade School and Lincoln High School, where she excelled in violin and business courses. After graduation in 1953, Carol worked for the Electrical Engineering Department at Nekoosa Papers Inc. On June 7, 1958 she married John (Jack) Arthur Torresani at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church before settling in Wausau, where she resided for 59 years. To her friends and neighbors, Carol will be remembered for her beautiful smile and positive presence. Carol had a deep appreciation for music, and was an active member of the Saint Michael Parish Choir for over thirty years. She was a trusted colleague serving as treasurer or project chair for numerous civic organizations including Wausau Festival of Arts, Volunteers for Wausau Hospital, and the Wausau Women's Club. She was recently honored by the International General Federation of Women's Clubs for her 50-year membership. Most notably she was an enthusiastic bridge player and frequent competitor in the Altrusa International Bridge Marathon, a gourmet cook, an avid gardener, a caretaker of hummingbirds, and a beautiful, elegant and gracious host. To her family, Carol was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was present in person or spirit at every significant family life event - birthdays, weddings, ball games, ballet performances, debates, concerts, and holidays. She took pride in her home and her family. The dedication of the Jack "Torre" Torresani Baseball and Softball Fields at Wausau East High School was a special moment. She loved to travel and had a fondness for the beach. However, she was most renowned for her love of Christmas and her joy in sharing her many gifts with her family each magical Christmas season. Grandma Carol, our hearts are mournful this Christmas, but we celebrate the nativity with hope, peace, joy and love because we know your spirit will be with us always. Preceded in death by her husband Jack, daughter-in-law JoEllen Powles Torresani, siblings Elisabeth Mertes and James Cwiklo, and parents Stella and Frank Cwiklo. Survived by her children Cathy (Jeff) Geppert of Columbus, OH, Mark Torresani of Middleton, Lisa (Ashaer) Hamid of Plano, TX, and Sarah (Paul) Rossman of Mequon, eleven grandchildren, and siblings Mary Ann Nigbor of Stevens Point, William Cwiklo and Christine Halverson of Wisconsin Rapids, Thomas Cwiklo of St. Paul, MN, and Jean Ghergurovich of Scituate, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 at Saint Michael Parish, 611 Stark Street, Wausau. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside. The burial service will be private. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wausau Women's Club, Saint Michael Parish, or the Grand Theater, or a charitable organization of your choice. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.