Carol Ann (Guenther) Wageman

Carol Ann (Guenther) Wageman, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday, March 17, 2022.

Carol lived a good, long life. She was born to Alvin and Reva Guenther in a small farming community in Nebraska just before Christmas in 1936. She grew up on a farm, living an idyllic life when as a teenager she met her future husband Bill Wageman through amateur radio. Bill and Carol married in September 1954. Their oldest son, Stuart, was born in Nebraska in 1955. The young couple then moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Bill worked for the Los Alamos National (Scientific) Laboratory for over 38 years. Leslie, their daughter, was born in New Mexico in 1958, followed by their youngest son, Steven, in 1960.

Carol was primarily a homemaker, although she had several temporary part-time jobs as her children were growing up. The kids really kept her busy in Junior and High School with their many school and social activities. She often said that her favorite times in life revolved around her children during their school years. After all the children left home Bill and Carol traveled the world, eventually visiting dozens of countries and all seven continents. They also made at least one trip to Nebraska every year to visit family and friends. Naturally, they also attended many amateur radio events across the country throughout the years and were known in the amateur radio community for many decades as K5MAT (Bill) and W5TIK (Carol). Carol volunteered as an usher at UNM's Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque for over 25 years. She was known as being a very stylish woman, and possibly missed her calling as a fashion designer. She loved to sew and created many beautiful outfits over the years. Carol loved animals and always had pets in her home.

Carol faced many traumas in her life with grace and courage, always persevering with dignity. She successfully fought cancer twice, leaving her with physical challenges for the rest of her life. She also unexpectedly lost her son Stuart in late 2016, which was the most difficult time of her life. In 2018 she then lost her husband of over 63 years after he suffered a very long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Carol is survived by her children, Leslie Linke (and grandsons Nicholas, Kevin, and David), and Steven (Shelly) Wageman (and grandchildren Daniel [Jenna] and Yvonne). She is also survived by her brother Alvin (Peggy) Guenther and his three children. She will be lovingly remembered by many friends and extended family as well.

The family is still deciding on the memorial. Friends and family will be notified.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28