Carol A. Vaal, 76, of St. Meinrad, passed away at her home on December 13, 2019, surrounded by family.
Carol was born in Fulda to Anton and Rose (Wink) Waninger on July 15, 1943. At St. Boniface Church on May 4, 1963, Carol married Thomas R. Vaal from St. Meinrad.
For 56 years Carol was a farmer alongside her husband Tom. She took pride in hard work, and her life was proof of that. Carol enjoyed flowers, quilting, embroidery, gardening, cooking, and attending her grandchildren’s events. She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, an outstanding grandmother, and a loving, caring person. Her pride and love for her family was profound.
Carol belonged to St. Meinrad and St. Boniface Catholic Parishes. She was a member of the Ladies Sodality, the St. Elizabeth Society, and other subcommittees. Other than being a farmer, Carol had worked at Best Chairs and the Abby Press.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Tom Vaal; sons, David (Tricia) Vaal of Santa Claus and Brian (Pam) Vaal of St. Meinrad; daughter, Brenda (Michael) Smith of Haubstadt; and daughter-in-law, Denise Vaal Stetter of Derby. Also surviving are brothers, Kenny (JoAnn) Waninger of Fulda and Eugene (Carol) Waninger of Santa Claus; sisters-in-law, Nelda Waninger of Magnet and Rose Waninger of Tell City; brother-in-law Richard Beier of Fulda; 10 grandchildren, Ryan Vaal, Courtney Heberer, Aaron Smith, Adam Smith, Jason Vaal, Alex Smith, Garret Vaal, Gracelyn Vaal, Andrew Smith and Gavin Vaal; and one great-grandchild, Eleanor Heberer.
Preceding Carol in death were one son, Glenn Vaal; four sisters, Adeline Beier, Lorine Meyer, Sally Fetter, and Esther Meyer; and two brothers, Jim and Richard Waninger.
Celebrate Carol with visitation on Thursday, December 19, from 2 to 8 p.m. Central Time at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand. On Friday, December 20, Carol will be at St. Meinrad Church in St. Meinrad, with visitation from 8 to10 a.m. and a mass at 10 a.m. Central Time.
