October brings many memories and recollections of the Kienke family.  Carole and I maintained a quality, fun relationship from the early 1960s until her passing on October 17, 2022.   Our friendship was a treasure--never to be forgotten.
Today, I send love, peace, stable health and support to daughters Pam and Rhoda (DeDe)/John and families.  God Bless Them all.  
Love, 
Old neighbor, Kaye Olson in DeWitt

I still miss Carole everyday.  Recently, as October moved along towards her birthday of October 8th and the anniversary of her loss now, I was thinking of her more.  To me, Carole was always there for me, especially after my husband passed away without warning in 2017. Eventually, we could laugh at each crisis tied into this loss which Carole firmly said she didn't experience. I can't tabulate how many days I called her, knocked on her door or invited her over to my home. I definitely became a pest the last 5 years of her life. We would reminisce about how our guys each built a sailboat from scratch, our challenges with each new daughter, or our jokes played on the neighbors when we both lived on East Greenlawn with our young families. But, the friendship would last a lifetime. It was a wonderful life. Pam and DeDe always knew I missed their mom! Love, peace and support to the two of you during this anniversary time. 
Kaye Olson, neighbor for many years

Carole was first my student when she attended dental hygiene school at Lansing Community College.  She then became part of our faculty.  I had the opportunity of having  her become part of my clinical team.  Then she became a dear friend.  
Sharon Neal, Carole and I solved most of the world problems over breakfast at Athens's.  Sharon and I  will continue to have breakfast there with a cup of coffee for Carole.  Our world is a little less bright with her passing.  Miss you, dear friend.  Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
PS  If there is not hazelnut coffee creamer in heaven's coffee shop, let me know how to send it to you. :)

Carole was a wonderful altar guild partner at Bethlehem. She was always there to give advice as we talked while we worked. She is missed. 

I was so saddened to receive news of Carole’s passing.
I had the privilege of working many years side by side with Carole. She was so welcoming to me when I joined Dr.Heeke’s practice and became a dear friend, mentor and co-worker.
I have many fond memories of dental meetings we attended together, as well as Women’s Retreats at Camp Arcadia.
We have lost another good one :(
Rest In Peace dear friend.
My deepest sympathy to Pam and Rhonda (DeeDee as I remember) and families. 

In 1964, my husband, Erik and I met Carole and Ron who moved in two doors down from us on Greenlawn, securing a 58 year friendship  for Carole and me--so many memories. Our children, Pam, Rhonda, Barb and Deb enjoyed their formative years together.  Carole and I would watch the children while Ron and Erik helped each other build sailboats. We sailed with them for many years. When Pam and Rhonda were young and ran high fevers, Carole would give me a "help" call and as a nurse I rushed down to ease the crisis. During Carole's Lansing Community College (LCC) Dental Hygiene program, I was her first patient for an intense examination.  She soared in dental skills and eventually became an LCC instructor.  Carole was determined to teach this new bride how to make strawberry jam. After hours of effort, I ran to her home and proudly handed her my jar of jam. She burst into hysterical laughter looking at me--strawberry jam in my hair, on my face and clothes down to my shoes. That was an image that caused laughter for a lifetime as she shared the story with friends--definitely a Lucille Ball and Ethel moment! As close friends we would play tricks on the neighbors and when the neighborhood broke up, Carole and Ron would come to our DeWitt  home for New Years eve or just to relax by our fireplace fire. Carole and Ron would ask "Will this be a one, two or three LOG night" and we would all laugh--that would determine the length they would stay. When Ron and Erik passed away, Carole and I kept our friendship going and in recent years she came to my condo to listen to the water and enjoy the pond as she rocked in my "Carole Recliner." We would reminisce. Thanks for the memories, Carole and a long-term friendship highly valued. Thank you for your humor and giving soul. Peace be with you. I will miss you. Special thoughts and prayers go to Pam, Rhonda and families.
Kaye Olson

Carole was my first "girlfriend."  We grew up living one block apart, and as she was an "Eldridge" and I a "Fry" we were always in the same homeroom from kindergarten at Barnes to graduation from Sexton in 1959.  So many fond memories.
Carole brought sunshine into a room along with her happy chatter and great energetic Laughter.  She shared that sunshine and laughter with so many others over the years.  Always there to help.  She was always first in line to help with the planning and implementation of our (every five years) 1959 class reunions.  Until more recently, was a regular attendee of our monthly class gatherings for breakfast/lunch.
RIP Carole.  Your sunshine is already missed.

Jim Fry

Carole was one of my favorite instructors when I was in the Dental Hygiene program at LCC.  She had a knack for putting a student at ease and made the challenge of what I referred to as "Dental Boot Camp" a little less intimidating.  
Carole  was also instrumental in me getting my first job as a dental hygienist, and we ended up working across the hall from each other for several years before she retired.   
It was an honor to have her as a teacher, coworker and friend.  Rest in Peace, Carole.  My condolences to your family.

R.I.P. Carol. What a wonderful neighbor and sweet lady, your kindness will always be treasured. 

She was one of my favorite instructors when I went through the Hygiene program! I actually shadowed her prior to starting and she gave me so much encouragement!! May she Rest In Peace. My prayers and condolences to her family.

Carole and I traveled with a group of women from our church to several gatherings. This photo is from the one we attended in Spokane Washington in 2011. We always had fun together and shared a lot of laughs.  She was a great friend.  I will miss her. 

OBITUARY

Carole Lee Kienke

October 8, 1941 – October 17, 2022

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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