Carol Jean Rytkonen

New Berlin, WI - Carol Jean (Smith) Rytkonen, 74, went Home to her Savior on Saturday, December 26, 2020 after a 20 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Carol was born October 23, 1946 to the late Paul and Helen (Lahti) Smith and was raised in Negaunee, MI. She was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1964. Carol met her husband Mike while working at his father's theater, the Vista. The two married in 1965 at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Negaunee. Carol was devoted to her family and friends and her beloved husband, Mike for 55 years. She was kind and generous, always looking for the positive in everyone she knew. The minute you stepped into Carol's home she made you feel special. She always had an eye out for a good recipe and would serve it up to the delight of her family and guests. Most importantly, Carol had a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior. Her Christian faith carried her through as she trusted her care to Him. Her witness was to all she came in contact with. Thankful she has blessed our lives. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her children, Michael (Robin) Rytkonen of Muskego, WI, Lori (Steven) Hardin of Franklin, WI and Peter (Beth) Rytkonen of Fond du Lac, WI; her grandchildren, Nicole (Michael) Kelbel, Amanda Rytkonen, Melanie and Tyler Rytkonen, and Jacob and Carolyn Hardin; her siblings, Judy (Dave) Frailing of Menomonee Falls, WI, Paulette (Bob) Sampson of Bessemer, MI, Paul (Barb) Smith of Marquette, MI, Richard (Deanna) Smith of Ontonangon, MI and Donald (Sharon) Smith of Catskill, NY. Also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law William and Hattie (Saari) Rytkonen, her sister Patricia (Tom) Zupancic and her sister Susan (Jim) Weber both of Las Vegas, Nevada. Due to COVID-19 a celebration of Carol's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.