Carol Stueckle

Thursday, May 15 was the day that Carol Lee Stueckle graduated into her perfect body. Her life on earth was centered around true joy. Typically, it came in the form of laughter, and often it showed up in pride in her family and community. Sometimes it showed up in her inability to contain the music in her soul that had to burst out. Sometimes it showed up in quiet support of those she loved. But mostly it came out in her beautiful, easy laughter. Carol understood laughter to be a sacred gift. Throughout her life, she knew what was important and what was not, and relationships topped the list. She loved well. She especially delighted in simply being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carol was born in Long Beach, CA, April 14, 1936, to Sid and Jean Brittain. She grew up in Montrose, CA until she was in 10th grade. At that time, she went to school at Pasadena Academy and then College High School in Nampa, Idaho. There she also attended Northwest Nazarene College, where she met the love of her life, Norm Stueckle. Norm knew he had found the best possible partner, and the two were married in La Crescenta, CA, on June 13, 1954. She became the yin to his yang, and the two of them set out to serve the Lord and people without reservation from that day forward. Their partnership in parenting and ministry was beautiful, and their strengths complemented each other well. Their first son, Gary, was born in Glendale, CA, while they were still preparing for their first placement as pastors of a church. They took a pastorate in Yreka, CA, where their second son, Sam, was born. In 1960 they accepted a call to Pomeroy, WA, where they pastored the Nazarene church; this is where both Janiece and Ron came along to complete the family. In 1970, the family moved to Wenatchee, WA where they pastored the Nazarene church for 30 years. While never being a “typical” pastor’s wife, Carol was dedicated to serving both the church and the community in Wenatchee. She lived her life in service of others and did not hesitate to utilize her many talents to do so. She was a gifted floral designer and was often called upon to create beauty for special events. She was a sought-after speaker whenever people needed instruction or inspiration. Her dedication to speaking practically about her faith and about relationships will continue to impact people for years to come. Carol was a gifted musician. Her beautiful voice touched the lives of so many over the years. When she sang “The King is Coming” the presence of the Spirit was undeniable and everyone was moved. Greater Wenatchee benefited from Carol’s commitment to service as well. As a natural leader, she served on numerous realtor councils and committees, as well as other community organizations. She was a part of Rotary International from 1978 until her health prevented her from serving, and led the charge to provide scholarships to many students in need of support as well as being the president of Sunrise Rotary Club when Rotary Park was built. Family members who are mourning and celebrating her are her beloved husband of 70 years, Dr. Norman Stueckle, her children and their spouses, Gary and Marsha Stueckle, Sam and Sharon Stueckle, Janiece Rainbolt and Don Bailes, and Ron and Dawn Stueckle. She will also be missed by 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1.5 great-great-grandchildren. Carol Lee Stueckle, Sweetheart, mom, favorite mother-in-law, grandma, friend, confidante, mentor, she was known by many names and will be missed by all who have been blessed enough to know her. We are grateful to have had so many years to love her and be loved by her. John 14:1-3 NRSV “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

Carol Stueckle

April 14, 1936 - May 15, 2025