Carol Lassila

Carol Lassila had Sisu! Carol passed away on March 18, 2025 at Ascension Mercy Hospital. Carol was born November 14, 1955 in Hancock, Michigan to parents Martha (Ekdahl) Lassila and Waino E. Lassila. Carol married her best friend and soulmate, Wayne Lamar Winistorfer on October 6, 1979 in Rozellville, WI.

Carol was raised in the "thumb" of Michigan's U.P., among an extended Finnish family. Carol regularly heard and spoke Finnish until she started school. Carol attended grade school in Chassell, MI until her family moved to their dairy farm in rural Fenwood/Stratford, Wisconsin in 1966. She attended Stratford Public Schools where she met Wayne on the first day of 7th grade. Carol always referred to Wayne as the "dumb Catholic kid" who arrived at school without a pencil. Their relationship turned from friends to a bonded couple about 10 years later.

Carol graduated in 1979 from UW-Eau Claire with a double major in Sociology and Psychology and a minor in Women's Studies. She referred to this as her "degree in cocktail party conversation", but she used her skills to mentor and expertly manage her work, social and family relationships.

Carol's most valued life role was that of a strong, Bad-A** Mom and Yaya. Carol was a practical, loving guide to her children, and a beloved "Aunt Carol" to her nieces and nephews. Carol instilled her eclectic tastes for music and literature in her children, who remain fond of "Mom's Mix" CDs. Becoming a "Yaya" to her three grandchildren was among Carol's greatest joys. She retired after a long career in a variety of roles, including in healthcare and office administration, to be a full-time "Daycare Yaya" to her grandchildren.

Carol was a skilled and avid knitter and crocheter and enjoyed spinning, cross-stitch, cooking, baking, collecting Santas and reading, which she considered her actual "jobs," which she said she got to do thanks to her work life. Carol loved sharing and teaching others to acquire these same interests and skills. Carol gifted her handcrafted creations freely and these are prized treasures by those who received them.

For a time, Carol was active in her church and served as Sunday School Teacher and Senior Warden of the Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church. Carol consistently explored her faith and spirituality.

Carol was known for her inumerable cooking and decorating magazine subscriptions and for her response to any popular culture question asked: "If you read People magazine you would know that!". Carol embraced all things "Yooper" and loved art and design reflective of her Finnish and Sami ancestry.

Carol is survived by her husband of over 45 years, their son, Andrew Lassila Winistorfer (Saint Paul, MN) and his "perfect for him" spouse, Amanda Geske and the "grandpups". In addition, Carol is survived by their daughter, Hannah Lassila (Winistorfer) Eakin, (Allouez, WI) her devoted spouse, Ron W. Eakin and their three children, Lila Mae, Elliot David and Oliver Wayne. Carol is also survived by her sister, Kathy Lassila, (Walsenburg, CO) and her brother, Karl Lassila and spouse, Pam (Wausau, WI). Carol's survivors also include her mother-in-law, Alvina Winistorfer (Marshfield, WI), and Wayne's seven siblings, in-laws, cousins and numerous and special nieces and nephews who reside in Wisconsin and across the United States.

Carol's family wishes to express overwhelming gratitude to Carol's "family and friends" at Evergreen Retirement Community, as well as our many friends at Ascension Mercy Hospital. The heartfelt caring, shared stories, laughter, hugs and exceptional quality of care Carol received during the past 1+ years have been a true blessing.

No memorial service will be conducted at this time. A graveside service and interment will be held at the Chassell Township Cemetery while Carol's family and friends gather for their traditional July week in the U.P. for Chassell Strawberry Festival and "jamming".

Notes and visits with the family are our preferred ways to honor Carol. Donations in Carol's name may also be made to the organizations Carol supported and cherished:

American Civil Liberties Union

Ascension Mercy Foundation - Oshkosh

Evergreen Foundation - Oshkosh

Southern Poverty Law Center

Trinity Episcopal Church, Oshkosh

Hyvasti, huomiseen, olet kultaseni!

Farewell, until tomorrow, my sweetheart!