Carol Jean Schliem, age 90, of Woodford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Lafayette Hospital and Clinics in Darlington. She was born on September 6, 1935, in Darlington, the beloved daughter of Wilfred and Ilah (Jackson) Johnson.
Carol grew up near Wiota and graduated from Darlington High School in 1953. On May 13, 1956, she was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Schliem at Apple Grove Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep devotion to one another while raising a large and loving family. She found great satisfaction driving school bus for the Black Hawk school district for 30 years.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Richard “Dick” Schliem, at home; her children: Patti (Steve Jacobson) Schliem of Monroe, Larry (Cher) Schliem of Blanchardville, Cathy (Scott) Cernek of Gratiot, Kelly (Chad Peterson) Austin of Woodford, Staci (Grant) Gibbons of Harcourt, Iowa, Lisa (Mike) Flanagan of Woodford, and Bradley (Tina) Schliem of Darlington; her grandchildren: Jami, Amanda, Michael, Jennah, Drew, Jordan, Shannon, Mitchell, Taylor, Joshua, Leah, Michelle, Melissa, Michael Jr., Lucas, Barry, Jayci, and Kylie; 28 great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris Schliem; sisters-in-law, Shirley DeNure and Mary Lou DeVoe; brother-in-law, Jerry Schliem; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Clifford and Elizabeth Miller and Lewis and Irene Schliem; her infant daughter, Shari Schliem; her sisters, Alice Wang and Irene Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Dale Schliem, Lewis Schliem, Russell Wang and Terry Schliem.
Carol was a faithful member of Apple Grove Lutheran Church. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—playing games on her iPad, reading, working outdoors, cooking and baking, and spending time playing cards and board games with family. She rarely missed an event involving her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren and was well known for keeping an accurate scorebook at basketball games. One of her most cherished daily traditions was her morning phone calls with her sister Doris.
Above all else, Carol’s family was her entire world. She loved deeply and unconditionally, and she made sure each of them knew how proud she was of who they were and all they had become. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, and loving heart will be missed beyond measure.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Wiota Lutheran Church (6682 Highway 78, South Wayne, WI), with Rev. Daniel Bohlman of Apple Grove Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will take place in Apple Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Wiota Lutheran Church, and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Erickson Funeral Home of Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Carol's name.
