Surrounded by those she loved most in this world, Carole (Blum) Goepfert, passed away on December 9, 2010. Carole was the bravest person that we know. Never once during her illness did she complain or ask, "Why Me?" She lived her motto, "It is what it is", and by doing so showed the rest of us, how to do it.

Carole was born on January 6, 1950, to loving parents Ray (Coley) Blum and Wilma (Zumkehr) Blum, who gave her a joyous happy childhood. She graduated from Monticello High School and worked in the accounting department at the Monroe Clinic from the time of her graduation until her recent illness.

Carole married the love of her life Pete Goepfert on April 16, 1980, in Las Vegas. Together they built a home on a hill in the country between Monticello and Monroe, where looking out her window she could see the beautiful scenery as the seasons changed.

Carole cared deeply about animals (she never met an animal that she didn't like.) She also enjoyed snowmobiling with her husband.

Carole is survived by her husband, Pete Goepfert; sister, Diane Blum; lots of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and Diesel and Maggie. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Marie and Henry Duerst; parents; and twin brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 13, 2010, at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Monticello, with Rev. Lawrence Balleine officiating.

Memorials to Zwingli United Church of Christ or Monroe Clinic Hospice in Carole's memory.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday December 12th at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home 1455 Mansion Dr., and 18th Ave.

If having so many family and friends hold you in their love, thoughts, and prayers that you cannot count them all is a life well lived, then Carole lived a very successful life! We will miss you dearly.