Carol L. Hubler

“Classy, opinionated, and a true matriarch.”  Truer words have never been spoken.

Carol Louise Hubler (nee Johnson), of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on April 15, 2025, in Naples, FL following complications from a fall.

Carol was born on January 1, 1935, in St. Paul, MN to Archie and Myrtle Johnson, the youngest of three daughters. She was the city of St. Paul’s official New Year’s Baby, entering the world at 12:03 a.m. She was a proud student of St. Paul Catholic schools, attending Cathedral Grade School and St. Joseph’s Academy.

Known for her infectious laugh and joyful outlook, Carol was a good friend to all those around her. In true Carol fashion, she rang in 2025 with a celebration of her 90th birthday. Surrounded by her entire family and many friends, we toasted Carol with a glass of Chardonnay (her favorite) – a fitting celebration of a wonderful life.

Carol graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked as a surgical nurse before taking time off to raise her family. Later in life she transitioned to nursing education, teaching Licensed Practical Nurse students at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire.

It was at Cathedral Grade School where she first met the boy who would become her future husband, Matthew Hubler. They began dating in high school, married in 1957 and shared 55 years together until Matt’s passing in 2012. They celebrated their final months together with a daily toast of “One More Day,” recognizing and appreciating the gift of every single day.

Carol was the proud winner of the St. Paul Spelling Bee in the 8th grade, moving on to compete in the state tournament in Minneapolis. Alas, a trip to the National Spelling Bee was not to be, but she remained a perfect speller her entire life.

Carol was also an accomplished pianist and singer. She studied classical piano for many years, including formal instruction at St. Joseph’s Academy. She loved to sing and was a member of the St. Paul Cathedral Choir while in high school and college, the North Shore Harmonizers in Glenview, IL and was a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Church Choir in Eau Claire. Carol would never miss a moment to gather around the piano and sing together, even treating strangers to Christmas carols, show tunes or old standards when out on the town.

Matt and Carol moved several times in their younger years in support of Matt’s career, with time in South St. Paul, Duluth, St. Louis, and Chicago, before landing in Eau Claire. She formed close friendships at every stop, hosting iconic parties where her love of show tunes, Frank Sinatra, good wine, and even better company shone through.

Carol is survived by her children Daniel (Clare) Hubler of Brookfield, WI: Sharon Hubler of St. Paul, MN; Mark (Jama) Hubler of North Oaks, MN and Amy (Courtland) Borle of North Oaks, MN; her sister, Shirley Dunnigan, of Scottsdale, AZ; her eight cherished grandchildren: Collin, Maddie, Jason, Emma, Grace, Riley, Elizabeth, and Maggie, and countless nieces, nephews, and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew; her parents, Archie and Myrtle Johnson; and her sister, Donna Bergstrom Peting.

Carol’s life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at 11:00 am on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Visitation will be held at Hulke Family Funeral Home on Thursday, May 8 from 4-7:00 pm and on Friday morning at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at the Chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum at  Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire following the funeral service. To attend the service virtually, please use the link provided.  https://youtube.com/live/uof-1f0A-o8?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Matt & Carol Hubler “One More Day” Family Endowment (part of the Catholic Foundation of West Central Wisconsin). The “One More Day” endowment assists patients battling cancer, with a special emphasis on single parents and their families. https://cfwcw.org/one-more-day/

Though we all wish we had just One More Day with Carol, please join us in celebrating her long and wonderful life.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.