Carol Margaret Dammann

Carol Margaret Dammann, 86, of Freeport rejoiced on Monday, June 30, 2025 as she went home to reunite with her beloved husband Hank, whom she said had been ‘calling’ for her. Carol was born September 10th, 1938, in Monroe, WI, to Peter and Hulda (Hutzel) Grossenbacher. She and her family were lifelong members of Bethany U.C.C.

On September 17th, 1960, Carol married the love of her life, Henry “Hank’ Dammann. They were inseparable and almost made it to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary together.

Carol grew up in the small town of Dakota, IL. Every Saturday she would go downtown and sit with the switchboard operator. The operator knew of Carol’s dream to become a nurse and nominated her for a Scholarship through a local Club. Carol was thrilled to receive a fully paid Nursing scholarship! She attended Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Freeport and did her internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Guards would escort the nursing students back and forth from the Chicago hospital to the dormitories via underground tunnels. Hank always provided railroad passes for Carol so that she could come home on the train. She recalled one Christmas season, the trains were so full they added cattle cars with bench row seating onto the passenger train. She said it was freezing cold and very bumpy, but she didn’t mind because she wanted to make it home for Christmas. Hank would also ride the train into the city so they could spend time together. Upon graduating as a Registered Nurse with the Class of 1959, Carol went to work as a surgical nurse in the Emergency Room at the hospital. She absolutely loved working in that department, often commenting it was the gratification of providing immediate help to people.

Since Hank worked on the railroad, they took the train into Chicago almost every weekend. Shopping in The Loop was always a favorite pastime, having lunch at Union Station, along with events such as the Auto Show at McCormick Place. They loved living life in the city.

In the summer, Hank & Carol could be found boating on their favorite Lake Waubesa in Madison. They loved being on the water together – especially waterskiing, fishing and sunset cruises on the lake. She always had a special bond with the lake, since she lost her first wedding ring set while waterskiing. Hank quickly replaced the rings for her.

On September 15th, 1964, Carol gave birth to their daughter Laurie. She always said Laurie was the joy of her life!

Soon after having their child, Carol left the Emergency Department to work more regular hours. She became the office nurse for Dr Erich Awender for 25 years, before retiring in 1998. Many times, family and friends would call Carol at home to help them with their medical emergencies. Hank said she kept him (and his friends!) out of the Emergency Room on many occasions.

In retirement, Carol found great pleasure in crocheting. She has made beautiful afghans for everyone in the family. She also created lap robes, which were blessed at the church, and presented to the shut ins for use. One year she made the little red hats to be used for newborn babies at the hospital. She also loved tending to all of her plants and flowers. In her later years, Carol battled Lewy Body Dementia.

Carol is survived by her beloved family: daughter Laurie (Dennis) Ruthe, of Henderson, NV: granddaughter Jen (Reid) Mazanek, of Las Vegas, NV; grandson Jordan Ruthe (Mary Meyer), of Sterling, VA; great grand kids Brooks & Olivia Mazanek; brother Roy (Carol) Grossenbacher of Freeport; and nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband Hank, on April 5th, 2020.

Since their wishes were to have the exact same celebration of life, private family services will be held. Burial will be in Dakota Cemetery next to Hank and her parents. A memorial has been established in her memory, which will be donated to a scholarship fund for those pursuing nursing.