Carole M. (Jochum) Thul, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 23, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Funeral service for Carole will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville, IA.

Carole was born on May 20, 1939, at home in Dubuque Iowa, the 9th of 12 children to Francis “Scoop” and Leona (Maiers) Jochum. She grew up on the Northend of Dubuque. On July 26, 1958, she married David P. Thul at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Together they farmed on the North Cascade Road, then in Rickardsville, Iowa. After retiring from farming Dave and Carole moved to the Northend.

She worked at the Avalon Supper Club, Walsh Stores and Trinity Square Daycare. Carole was a long-time season ticket holder at Bell Tower Theater.

She enjoyed hosting gatherings at the farm and valued family time, especially with her grandchildren. Carole never missed their events and her memorable sayings will live on through her family.

She is survived by her children Nicholas Thul, Cindy McLaughlin, Lisa (Stacy) Remick-Thul, and Tracy (Patrick) Connolly. 10 grandchildren Ryan Kraft, Amy Meisenburg, Angie (Jake) Gantenbein and Molly McLaughlin. David (Jelena) Leik, Maria (Zach) Grissom and Benjamin Leik. Patrick (Kylee Campbell) Connolly, Regan (Marcus Singleton) Connolly and Riley (Ireland Quinn) Connolly. 9 great grandchildren Carson (Kamilah), Cameron, Chloe and Cooper Meisenburg, Finley Gantenbein, Jude and Blaire Grissom, Macklyn Connolly and Oakley Mae Connolly. One great-great grandson Charlie Meisenburg. In-laws Donna Jochum, DeeLee Jochum and Dean Thul and many, many nieces and nephews.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David in 2007, her oldest son David in 1987, and her son-in-law Wally McLaughlin. Her siblings and their spouses: Kenneth (Caroline) Neely, Mary (Bill) Fransen, Jeanne (Jerry) Meyer, Bob (Lynn) Jochum, Dorothy (Lyle) Reed, Patricia (David) Schumacher, Leone (Bay) Reed, Joan Wagner, Wayne Jochum, Gary Jochum and Donnie Jochum in infancy. In-laws, Hugo and Marie (Nickl) Thul, Mildred and Melvin Thiltgen, Patrica Thul, Dale and Sharon Thul. Nieces and Nephews Donna Fransen, Billy Fransen, Dan Schumacher, Bob Wagner, Becky Wagner, Michael Neely and David Neely. Eileen Putchio, Tom Thiltgen and Steve Thul.

A special thank you to her son Nick for his years of caring for Carole, Connie, Dawn and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, Ashley, Melissa and Paul, from the palliative care team.