Rebecca Lynn (Krause) Cardinal

Rebecca “Becky” was born on September 8, 1949. She was the younger daughter of Eileen (Blum) and Floyd “Tarney” Krause.

As Becky was growing up, she was lovingly cared for by her Grandma Krause and adored by special aunts and uncles.

It wasn’t long before her dad realized that he had a child after his own heart. A little girl who was ready to fish with him, play softball with him, or just tag along on whatever outdoor adventure he might suggest. That love of the outdoors, nurtured when she was young, led to her lifelong compassion for animals, most especially squirrels.

From an early age, her parents had her ice skating. The entire family was active in the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club, so Becky and her big sister could be found outside on the ice all winter long.

High school days at Eau Claire North were filled with gymnastics, cheerleading, and friends. Becky remained close with many of those friends, always enjoying frequent class reunions.

After graduation in 1967, Becky lived out of the area for a while, then returned to begin working at Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. It was there that she met Roger Cardinal and the two were married in September of 1976.

Becky and Roger enjoyed nearly fifty years together. In that time, they lived very active lives that included car racing, ice racing, snowmobiling, and the construction of a beautiful log home on the Chippewa Flowage, which gave them ready access to fishing. They were proud “Winter Texans” for many years.

Their many travels included multiple vacations to Florida; four cruises to the Caribbean; a sixty-two-day RV Caravan Tour to Alaska; a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains; and trips to the Southwestern U.S. They also enjoyed camping with friends throughout Wisconsin.

Once retired from the phone company in 1986, Becky was able to devote more time to her passion of wildlife rehabilitation. She became certified and was known as “Squirrel Mom” to the rehab community at White Pine Wildlife Rehab Center in Fall Creek and throughout northern Wisconsin. She had the expertise and devotion to care for several hundred orphaned and injured squirrels.

Becky’s care and devotion to family and friends will live on in the memories she left us.

Becky is survived by her husband, Roger, and her sister, Cheryl Watson. She is the dear aunt of Cheryl’s sons: Ken Olson (Tiffany) and their children, Katie, Abby, Emma, Gwyn, and Jack; Dave Olson and his children, Ari and Ryan; Mike Watson and his wife, Beth Janetski; Jonathan Watson (Amy) and their daughter, Amelia. Becky was step-sister to Ron (Betty) Johnson and Judy (Corky) Kneer. She is also survived by her cousin, Ann (Charley) Mencel, other relatives, friends, and her dear little dog, Foxy.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday July, 9 at 2:00pm. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of the service. The visitation and service will be held at Hulke Family Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd. Eau Claire WI.

The family suggests memorials be directed to:

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, Inc.
E9356 830th Ave
Colfax, WI 54730

The Hulke Family Funeral Home is serving the family. 

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