Carmen Elaine Kruncos

Carmen Elaine “Carmie” Kruncos passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI. She was born in Rhinelander, WI on December 13, 1939 to Elmer and Esther (Lindgren) Towne. Carmen graduated from Rhinelander Union High School in 1958, and married Francis Kruncos at St. Joseph’s Church on June 18, 1960. They briefly moved to Danville, IL in 1962 before returning to the Rhinelander and Wausau areas. In 1967 Carmen and Francis moved to Fond du Lac where they raised their family. They later lived in Appleton and Oshkosh, but ultimately returned to Fond du Lac. Fran and Carmen were married for 55 years before his passing in 2015.

As a child, Carmen enjoyed playing with her neighbors and cousins and attending church. She adored her dog Wolfie. Carmen later dedicated her life to raising her family. She worked part-time in retail and enjoyed taking care of her garden and flowers. Fran and Carmie spent several years camping, taking trips to Florida and Branson in addition to spending time at their permanent campsite in Wisconsin. Carmen enjoyed being with her cat and spoiling her grandchildren (usually with candy), learning about her ancestry, doing puzzles, and having a brandy seven. She was sweet, strong-willed, and sassy; and her family will miss her silliness and the many laughs they had with her.

Carmen is survived by her children: Jennie Masanz of Belleview, FL, Thomas (Cheryl) Kruncos of Fond du Lac, Carol (James) Stirn of Savage, MN, and William Kruncos of Fond du Lac; eight grandchildren: Adam (Elizabeth) Eiler, Arielle Brinkman, Elayna and Alexa Stirn, Megan and Ashlynn Kruncos, Michelle (Nick) Bierman, Michael (Megan) Milloy; four great grandchildren: Josselyn and Milo Bierman, Nathan and Zachary Milloy; brother-in-law Paul Kruncos and sister-in-law Jean Kruncos, both of Wausau; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and her cat “Kitty”. Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law Peter and Celia (Martin) Kruncos, brothers Wallace and David Towne, sisters-in-law Joyce and Irene Towne, and an infant daughter.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, particularly the doctors and nurses on Five West and the Palliative Care Team.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM, Friday, March 11, 2022, at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac, WI. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 1:45 PM. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery following the service.

Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.