Carole J. Jerome

Carole Jean Jerome, 84, passed from this life on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Sparta, Wisconsin.

Carole was born on October 21, 1940, to Edward and Jeanette (Welda) Barta in La Crosse, WI. She graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and later married the love of her life, Lyle “Buzz” J. Jerome, on October 24, 1959, in North Bend, WI.

Throughout her life, Carole called several places in Wisconsin home, including La Crosse, Waukesha, and Angelo, and ultimately settled in Sparta.  She always remembered fondly the many miles traveled in 1976 while representing Monroe County in the Bicentennial celebrations throughout the state of WI.

Carole and Buzz were known for their dancing, laughing, traveling, and enjoying life to its fullest and were especially proud of having visited all 50 states and several countries. She and Buzz traveled to all 48 contiguous states by motorhome (Carole’s favorite way to travel), often venturing to national bowling tournaments and family visits. To mark their 50th wedding anniversary, they celebrated with a cruise to their 50th state—Alaska—making the milestone even more special.  

Among her most treasured adventures was a tour of Italy, which included attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Vatican. She also visited London, Canada, Mexico, and took a EuroRail journey around the Mediterranean from Madrid to Germany—experiences that reflected her zest for life and her eagerness to embrace new adventures.

Carole had a strong work ethic and a giving heart. Over the years, she worked as a telephone operator, a tax preparer for H&R Block, and held bookkeeping positions at Equity Cooperative Livestock, Sparta Co-op Exchange, First Community Credit Union, and Hellman Distributors. She also prepared taxes for friends and neighbors on the side—a testament to her hard-working nature and attention to detail.  She was an active member of both the Sparta Lioness and Lions Clubs for several years and deeply valued the friendships and service opportunities that came with her involvement.

Carole was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buzz; her parents; and her brother, Mike Barta.

She is survived by her siblings: Sharon Dickenson, Edward “Butch” Barta, and Rick Barta; her children: Patty Herold (Greg), Debbie Lamb, Tim Jerome (Beth), and Pam Edelman (Bob); former son-in-law Dale Lamb and former daughter-in-law Reenie Riley; her grandchildren: Daniel Lamb (Jill), Melissa Herold, Megan Mulvaney (Matt), Emily Jerome (David Pierce), Patrick Jerome (Gabi), Elizabeth Godbold (Perrin), Jordan Edelman, Victoria Fitzpatrick (Connor), Nicholas Edelman, Courtney Retzlaff (Clay) and Mackenzie Pearsall; and her great-grandchildren: Oliver Mulvaney, Zachary Lamb, Beau Lamb, Finnigan Mulvaney, Caeden Godbold, Hazel Edelman, Lennon Mulvaney, Mox Edelman, Elias Godbold, Elliana Godbold, Axel Retzlaff, Callan Mulvaney, and Brooks Fitzpatrick.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Morrow Home Community for the compassionate care Carole received.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30th at 11 AM at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home starting at 9 AM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Carole. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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