Carol Jean Etler

Carol Jean Etler, 78, of Union, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Villa Springs Care Center in Erlanger, Kentucky. She lived a life rich with joy, connection, and a deep love for her family and friends.

As a retired Right of Way Agent and Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Carol dedicated much of her life to serving the community. Her professionalism was only matched by her kindness and integrity, traits that garnered her respect from colleagues and friends alike.  She was especially proud of her dedication to education when earning her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University after many years of night classes later in her career.  Beyond her career, Carol's true legacy lies in the love she cultivated within her family.

She is survived by her loving sons Doug (Kim) Etler of Crescent Springs, Todd (Shay) Etler of Keller, TX, and Mark (Jessica Brown) Etler of Ludlow. Carol was a proud grandmother to her four adored grandchildren: Austin (Caroline Brock) Iven, Brennan (Halee Brugge) Etler, Brady Etler, and Addyson Etler. Alongside her immediate family, Carol is remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and countless dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and laughter.

Carol's vibrant spirit was evident in her hobbies and interests. She eagerly anticipated the many family trips to Gatlinburg for summer vacations and long Thanksgiving weekends and treasured her travels with her girlfriends, enjoying the many adventures they shared. Her enthusiasm extended to the delightful times spent in various card clubs and lunch gatherings with friends, where laughter and camaraderie were abundant. As an avid fan of the University of Kentucky, Cincinnati Reds, and Cincinnati Bengals, she embraced her competitive spirit and passion for sports, engaging everyone around her in spirited discussions about their games.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Carol was known for her generous spirit, having donated to numerous charities throughout her life. Her giving nature was only surpassed by the love she shared with those around her, creating bonds that will carry on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Carol is preceded in death by her late husband, Robert Etler; brother, Lou Krumpelman, and her parents, Lou and Irene Krumpelman.

Visitation will be Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00AM until the hour of Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00PM all in Mother of God Roman Catholic Church, 119 West 6th Street, Covington, KY 41011.   A celebration of life reception will follow immediately after the Mass in the Undercroft.   A private burial will occur on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10:00AM at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, KY along with the ashes of her late husband, Robert Etler.  

Carol will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered, her spirit living on through the countless lives she enriched. As we gather to celebrate her remarkable life, we find comfort in knowing that she will forever be a part of our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, Carol's family has requested that you make a donation to the charity of your choice, just as she would have done.