Carol Jean Waxler, 90, Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was born in Fargo, ND on February 15, 1935, the daughter of George and Lillian (Wangsness) Platt. She graduated from Fargo High School in 1952, and married Ronald Gene Waxler on February 20, 1953. They lived in Fargo, ND until 1957, when they moved to Rockford where Ron took his first job at Sundstrand Aviation as a Mechanical Engineer and they raised their daughters Lynn and Terri.

Carol wanted to be a good wife, mother and friend. She was also determined to earn her college degree, be an educator in the public schools and to read the entire Bible. She accomplished those goals and more.

Carol started classes at Rock Valley College, earning her Associate’s degree in 1976. She continued taking classes until earning her Bachelor’s degree after 14 years from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb in Child Development with a specialty in Early Childhood Special Education. Carol worked at Children’s Development Center and Boone County Center in Belvidere as an Early Childhood Special Ed Educator for many years. She knew it was time to retire when she couldn’t get down on the floor with her students any more.

Carol was active as a volunteer and choir member at Centennial United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She taught a class for developmentally challenged adults for over 40 years called “A Joyful Noise”, receiving as much joy as she shared. As Carol herself recounted, “We sang for half an hour before each lesson and I am sure I played “Jesus Loves Me” hundreds of times.

Carol’s curiosity, creativity and zest for life was fed by her longtime involvement with Womanspace. She enjoyed many classes and connections including watercolor, singing with the choir and the monthly Seekers group with whom she shared many special experiences. She also attended many of Rockford’s theatre productions and special events. Her favorite was the fantastic Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Carol and Ron had the joy of traveling on many trips together. They experienced the Panama Canal, Nova Scotia, the Canadian Rockies and London and even saw her Grandpa Wangsness’ boyhood hometown of Vangness along one of the Fjords while sailing the entire length of Norway.

Carol was grateful for the health and support that allowed her to live in the new home that she and Ron had chosen for over 10 years after he passed away.

Survived by her daughter Terri (Dean) Hendrix, her brother, George (Marlys) Platt; many loving nieces and nephews; countless grateful students, colleagues and special friends. Predeceased by her husband, Ron; her daughter, Lynn Waxler; her sister, Linda Menzel

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Grace United Methodist Church 3555 McFarland Rd., Rockford, Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com