Carol Thimm Bressel, age 73, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2026. All of her siblings were able to visit with her in the final days of her cancer journey.

Carol was born in Hartford, Wisconsin, to Walter and Helen (Wondra) Thimm. She is survived by her lucky husband of 43 years, Ray Bressel, and their daughter, Lindsey Potter (John), grandchildren, Della and Finnegan Potter. She is further survived by brothers Robert Thimm, Fr. Donald Thimm, Roger (Linda) Thimm, John (Pam) Thimm, and sister Joanne (Brian) Voll. Nieces and nephews: Chelsea and Brianna Thimm, Dana, Allen, and Kevin Thimm, Adam and Allison Voll.

Carol grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin, attending St. Kilian School and then Hartford High School. Her passion for music started early on, and her parents supported her by buying her a piano and driving her to The Music Conservatory in Milwaukee to help develop her piano playing skills. In High School she received the John Phillip Sousa Award, recognizing her commitment to music, playing clarinet in the band, and as drum majorette for the marching band.

Carol received her degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She shared her gift of music and teaching with thousands of children. Her teaching career began at St. Kilian School in Hartford, WI, and a 22-year career teaching elementary music and band at Stewartville Elementary School followed. Carol also enjoyed teaching children how to play the piano.

Carol met her future husband Ray (a tuba player) at a Lakeshore Band concert. At the time she was director of the Hartford City Band and they needed a tuba player. He joined the group, a romance began and they were engaged nine months later. The wedding took place in June of 1983. Of course, they played a clarinet and tuba duet at their reception. Carol's favorite color was red and the bridesmaids wore red.

On her 36th birthday she blew out the candles on her birthday cake and wished for a baby girl. Her wish came true and they welcomed their daughter, Lindsey in April of 1989. Carol was thankful for the gift of motherhood and blessed with a strong-willed little girl to match her strong personality. She shared the love of music with her daughter. New activities filled her calendar. Carol and Ray became devoted Lourdes Band Parents. Carol was over the moon when she became a grandma to Della and Finn. Snuggles with babies, frosting cupcakes and reading books together brought her a new kind of joy.

Carol and Ray moved to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1992. They joined the newly established Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She began a 35-year run as leader of "The Bressel Choir". Carol and Ray developed many long friendships at Holy Spirit. They also played in the Rochester Civic Music Concert Band, and the Rochester Community Band.

She enjoyed creating Shutterfly books, home decorating, and shopping with her sister and friends. She loved jewelry and dressing in beautiful clothes. An accomplishment she was proud of was running in the Army 10 Miler in Washington DC with friends. She was a Green Bay Packer's fan.

Carol had many special friends who were with her in person and in spirit during her cancer challenges. The family is thankful for all of you.

The family requests that memorial gifts be designated to Catholic Charities or for cancer research at Mayo Clinic.

 A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, MN. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com