Arlene Marie “Carol” Altenburg, age 78, of Eddyville, KY passed away Monday, June 29, 2020 at Baptist Health Paducah. She attended St. Mark Catholic Church in Eddyville and worked with the Hope Food Bank of Lyon County. She was born in Chicago, IL and for most of her career was Bake Shop Manager and Cake Decorator for Jewel Foods in the Chicago area. She retired as a Medical Transcriptionist in the healthcare industry.
Carol was an admirable role model for her daughters and raised them to be honest, independent, creative, free spirited and strong women of integrity. She never stopped talking about how much she loved each and every one of her grandchildren and looked forward to teaching and making many special memories with them. She had a great love for her dogs K.C., Sassie, Molly and Maggie. Carol never lost sight of her Chicago roots and remained a very passionate Bears fan while enjoying retired life with her best friend and life-long companion in her beautiful Kentucky country home she always dreamed of. She loved mowing her lawn on her fancy zero-turn, sewing breathtaking quilts, woodworking bird feeders, creating exquisite stained glass art, cooking gourmet meals and baking (and eating) delicious bread. Carol absolutely loved making her special chocolate chip and sugar cookies for all of her grandchildren. Her excitement to go cruising fulfilled her fascination with Alaska and the Caribbean. Carol will always be remembered for her generous soul, wise words, love of life and laughter… and will forever be the Monarch of our family.
She is survived by her life partner, Sandi Poisson, Eddyville, KY; three daughters, Jacquelyn (Andrew) Heinz, Streamwood, IL; DeAnna (Jeff) Diorio, Hales Corners, WI; and Candice (Andy) Altenburg, Slinger, WI; step daughter, Lisa Lake, Elgin, IL; special niece, Debra (Dave) Birdsey, Mosinee, WI; seven grandchildren, Jeanna (Kyle) Brant, Andrew Heinz, Alex (Kristen) Heinz, Matthew Diorio, Samuel Diorio, Joshua Diorio, Adam Wojtasiak, three step grandchildren, Tyler Lake, Brianna Lake, Lexi Lake; one great grandchild, Chase Brant and two great grandchildren on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Ruzga and Jean Laszcz Kemp and one sister, Roberta Saxinger.
Memorial visitation will be held Friday, August 21, 2020 from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm at St. Mark Catholic Church in Eddyville, KY. Memorial Mass will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Father Jojy Joseph officiating.
Lakeland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at: www.lakelandchapel.com.