LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Carol Ann Brecht, Las Cruces, N.M., passed away suddenly at her home on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, Ill., with a visitation and celebration of Carol’s life scheduled for Thursday, May 27, from 4 until 7 p.m., and service at the funeral home on Friday, May 28, at 10 a.m. Burial wil be at National Cemetery on Arsenal Island in Rock Island, Ill. Those wishing to do so, may make donations in Carol’s name to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Milan, Ill.
She was born Carol Ann Ward on February 16, 1948, in Winfield, Ala., to James Edward Ward and Ruth (Gosa) Ward. Carol’s parents moved to Rock Island in the 1950s where Carol’s father secured employment at John Deere Company. Carol was educated in the Rock Island school system, graduating with the class of 1966. She worked as an optician for 30 years in Des Moines, Iowa, Omaha, Neb., and the Quad Cities. Her last two positions were with Custom Eyes Lab in Milan, Ill., and Eye Surgeons Associates in Silvis, Ill.
Carol married Robert Brecht of Muscatine, Iowa, in Moline, on May 12, 1995. They shared 15 wonderful years of marriage, with both of them always convinced that they were truly meant to be together. Carol and Robert retired to Las Cruces, N.M., in December, 2008.
Carol was a life-long music lover, and a born dancer. She loved to dance. She was also a true animal lover, and the owner of two rat terriers, Rocky and Rosie.
She is survived by her husband, Robert, of Las Cruces, N.M.; a son, Michael Scheier, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, Regina Brecht, of Davenport, Iowa; a stepson, Jamison Brecht, of Muscatine, Iowa; and a stepdaughter, Linda (Brecht) Kwirant, of Muscatine, Iowa. There are three wonderful grandchildren, Chloie, Avery, and Sophia, and a fourth due very soon, all from Linda and Justin Kwirant. Surviving siblings are Marilyn Schindall, of Davenport, James K. Ward, of Rock Island, and Timothy Ward, of Moline. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Online condolences may be made at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.