Carol Lucretia Ark, 89 of Piper City passed away on Friday November 10, 2023 at Piper City Rehab and Living Center.  She was born on December 5, 1933 in Paxton, IL a daughter of Charles and Jennie (Smith) Joyce.  Carol married J. Richard (Dick) Ark Sr. in Paxton on June 2, 1951 and he preceded her in death on July 14, 2023.

Survivors include one son- John R. Ark Jr. of Piper City; one daughter- Judy K. Kietzman of Piper City; four grandchildren- John J. (Lindsay) Ark, Jennie (Chuck) Black, Josh (Alison) Kietzman, and Jeff (Melissa) Kietzman; 12 great grandchildren- Trevor Black, Connor Black, Arianna Schafer, Katie Schafer, Malachi Ark, Suzie Ark, Hadley Ark, Cooper Kietzman, Rowan Kietzman, Harper Kietzman, Harry Kietzman, and Finn Kietzman.  She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers- Ed, Bob, Donald, J. Laverne, and Rex; three sisters- Charlotte, Elaine, and Doris; granddaughter- Angela Ark Schafer; son-in law- Gary Kietzman; and daughter in law- Kathy Ark.

Carol farmed with her husband and son for over 70 years and had the reputation of being one of the hardest working, selfless, and caring women around.  She enjoyed her winters in Florida and spending time outside with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Carol will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  She was the glue that held the family together and the fuel that kept everything moving forward.

Visitation will be on Wednesday November 15, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.  Private graveside services will be held at Brenton Twp. Cemetery in Piper City.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Carol at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

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