Carol Ann Draus

Carol Ann Draus, 83 of Weyerhaeuser, passed away on Saturday, December 13, was born on November 1, 1942, in Cicero, IL, to Frank and Sarah (Fox) Ptacek. At seven months of age, she moved with her family to Bruce, Wisconsin, where they farmed and where Carol grew up, learning the values of hard work and family that remained with her throughout her life.

Carol was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Ladysmith for four years before continuing her working career at Peavy’s Paper Mill. In 1962, she married Harry Draus of Weyerhaeuser. Together they farmed, and Carol also handled the bookkeeping for Harry’s sales & service business. Although the marriage later ended in divorce, Carol remained devoted to her family and community.

Carol had many interests and hobbies that brought her joy. She especially enjoyed gardening, cake decorating, cross-stitching, canning, bowling, word search puzzles, and reading. She took pride in creating things with her hands and found comfort in quiet moments spent with a good book or puzzle.

Carol is survived by her five children: Susan Nelson of Lakeville, MN; James Draus of Weyerhaeuser; Gregory (Pam) Draus of Weyerhaeuser; Wanda Bartsch (Tony Glenna) of Milltown; and Connie (Peter) Romanowski of Genoa. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Lowenberg, Ryan Bartsch (Rachel), Zachary Bartsch, Bridgett Romanowski, and Maddie Draus, as well as 3 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, Terry (Vicki) Ptacek and Gary (Vicki) Ptacek, and her sisters, Linda (John) Leach, Mel Fox-Ptacek, and Violet Zuber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Sarah Ptacek; an infant daughter; 4 brothers Ted, Franklin, David, and Randy; 2 sisters Betty Foust and Helen Erickson; a grandson Kevin Romanowski; and a son-in-law Gary Nelson.

Carol later moved from the farm to Woodstone Senior Living in Rice Lake, where she lived for five years. After breaking her arm, she relocated to Dove Healthcare, where she spent her remaining time. A thank you to Dove Healthcare for all the wonderful workers who helped care for Carol. Carol will be remembered for her quiet strength, dedication to her family, and the simple pleasures she found in everyday life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 19, 2025 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyerhaeuser with Fr. Joseph Kumar Mayakuntla and Deacon Tom Fuhrmann celebrating. Burial will follow in Bruce Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time on Friday at the church.

Complete obituaries will also appear in the Ladysmith News and Rice Lake Chronotype.