Carolyn L. Casser (née Madsen) of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on November 26, 1929, in Racine, Wisconsin, Carolyn was the daughter of the late Mads L. and Anna K. Madsen, who immigrated to Wisconsin from Denmark. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald G. Casser; son, Donald J. (“DJ”) Casser; son-in-law, Keith E. Locke; her siblings and their spouses. Carolyn is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Casser Locke, her sister-in-law Dolores Blust, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.
After graduating from Park High School in Racine, Carolyn studied to become an X-ray technician at St. Luke’s Hospital. Married in 1952, Carolyn was the loving wife of the late Donald G. Casser for nearly 39 years. During his service in the U.S. Navy, they lived in Pensacola, Florida; Hutchinson, Kansas; and Brunswick, Maine before moving to Wauwatosa. While her husband studied law at the University of Wisconsin, Carolyn worked at a children’s clothing store in Madison.
Carolyn proudly called herself a homebody and generously dedicated her time, energy, and talents to her family. She was an excellent cook and hosted many wonderful gatherings for family members and friends. Carolyn was hardworking and focused on perfection. She was passionate about completing projects in her home of over 60 years, including painting, wallpapering, and beautifying the yard, often in collaboration with her husband and son. She was artistic, creative, a talented seamstress, and enjoyed assembling and finishing classic furniture reproductions. Carolyn served as the First Mate on the family’s sailboats and was an active member of the Milwaukee Yacht Club, especially supporting her husband, Don, when he served as Commodore in 1986. Over the years, Carolyn enjoyed having energetic political discussions and debates.
Carolyn had a lifelong love of animals, and she generously supported multiple animal charity organizations. Over the years, several rescue cats were fortunate to be lovingly cared for by Carolyn, resulting in mutual comfort, companionship, and joy.
Carolyn enjoyed her years as a member of the Wauwatosa Woman’s Club; she served as President of the Club in 1966. Carolyn was also a member of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, serving for many years as the Program Chair of its College Endowment Association.
While Carolyn is already deeply missed, she is remembered by all who knew and loved her as friendly, cheerful, caring, strong, resilient, determined, patriotic, and energetic. When concluding a conversation, Carolyn’s closing words were always “hug each other for me.”
For their wonderful care and support, Carolyn’s family sincerely thanks Dr. Hashim Sadig, the Harmony Cares Medical Group, and Hannah Home Health Care, as well as Caring Senior Service and Vitas Healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society, the Wauwatosa Woman’s Club, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Visitation will be held Sunday October 11, 2026, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home 10121 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa from 2pm until time of service at 3pm with refreshments to follow. Interment Monday October 12, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery Racine 3547 Osbourne Blvd. Racine, WI 53045 at 10:30am.
