Carlane J. Von Haden

It is with deep sorrow and much love we mourn the passing of Carlane Joanna Von Haden, of Elroy, Wisconsin on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the age of 73 years.

Carla, fondly known as Miss Pickles and V-8, was born to Lula (Vieth) and Gilferd Von Haden at the Hillsboro Hospital on March 23, 1948.  She attended school at Royall High School, graduated with a B.S. from UW-Stevens Point, and a Master’s in School Counseling from UW-Stout.  She worked as a school counselor at Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, for 32 years and as a pom squad advisor there for 25 of those years. Carla retired to be a full-time caretaker for her mother where they enjoyed gardening, family visits, and laughter.  Carla was a devoted member of the Elroy United Methodist Church where she served as a Lay Leader and Secretary.

Carla led a passionate, socially conscious, and engaged life.  She shared her faith with many and continued counseling even after retirement.  She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. Her dedication to community activism led her to leadership roles in many organizations including Care Clowns, Lincoln High School Yearbook Advisor, Royall Elementary School Garden Project, Wisconsin Garden Club Federation, Hill and Dale Garden Club, Millard’s Prairie and Juneau County HCE, and the Elroy Lion’s Club.  Like her mother and brother, Carla was a lifelong Cubs fan and enjoyed attending games with her family. She was also famously known for her amazing dill pickles, where she was known to make over 150 quarts each year, and her tasty jams. Carla was an avid photographer and enjoyed creating cards featuring landscapes and flowers. She was also a passionate gardener known to grow beautiful flowers and dedicate her time to the beautification of Elroy.

Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Gilferd and Lula Von Haden; her beloved nephew, Scott Brown; her sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer & George Bancroft; and brother, Terry Von Haden. Carla is survived by her sister-in-law, Jan Von Haden; nieces, Michele Laux (Randy), Heidi Lezotte (Bill), Sara Esslinger (Matt), Tracy Van Andel (Eric), Kristen Heelan (Jeff); as well as her great-nieces and nephews, Brianna Laux-Kocis (Nick), Gabrielle Barker (Michael), Logan and Isabelle Lezotte; ten great-great nieces and nephews, Kaiden Barker, Luke, Benny and Sydney Esslinger, Stella, Olivia and Noah Van Andel, Claire, Will and Gavin Heelan; dear cousins, Gary and Pam Board, Randy and Paulette Board, her close friend, Nancy Herrmann as well as her loving kitties, Cici and Cubby.

Carla will be remembered for her passion for helping others.  We will remember her smile, her warmth, her dedication to her community, and her love of life, family and friends.  Her life was a living example of “Just be kind and compassionate to one another”.

Visitation will be 4-7 PM on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Picha Funeral Home in Elroy, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Carla’s life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at United Methodist Church in Elroy. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Chasing Daylight Animal Shelter or the American Cancer Society. 

The family of Carla wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Gil Harmon and staff at Gundersen, and the compassionate caretakers of Milestone Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice. The family would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to Pam and Gary Board for their tenderhearted care and genuine acts of kindness.

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