Carol G. Taylor

Carol G. Taylor of Waukesha died peacefully on February 17, 2026 at Avalon Square surrounded by her loving family at the age of 87 years. She was born in Milwaukee on March 22, 1938 the daughter of Herman G. and Grace O. (nee: Bagemihl) Knaebe. She went to Auer Avenue Grade School, Peckham Jr. High School and graduated from Rufus King High School where she loved singing with the choir and being in the plays. Carol graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1959.

On November 29, 1958 she married the love of her life, Donald “Don” L. Taylor at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee. The two met at Camp Onaway, a Presbyterian Summer Camp near Waupaca. She was a camper he was a counselor.

Carol and Don were active in political leadership for many years, they were honored to attend Ronald Reagan’s 1981 inaugural, a memory they both cherished. 

Carol was very active in many organizations, she was a board member of the YWCA and Waukesha Symphony Philharmonic. Often Don played classical music for her, which she loved. She was a member and past president of the Practical Club since 1977. Carol was a Jobs Daughter at Bethel #7 and sang in their choir. She was an active member of the Garden Club, enjoyed various book clubs and her favorite color was lavender.

Most important to Carol and Don were their faith and family. Carol had a strong Christian faith and a deep love for God. They attended First Presbyterian Church, Waukesha, were faithful members of Elmbrook Church for 37 years and for the last 12 years were members of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Delafield. Carol loved her family, friends and the Waukesha community.

Carol is the beloved mother to Wendy (David) Kipperman; Scott (Jennifer Lewis) Taylor; Jenifer Schroeder, and Ty (Heather) Taylor; grandmother to ten including Heather (Aaron), Ashley (Harry), John, Abby, David and Benjamin; great-grandmother to Lillian, Layla, Finn, Sawyer and Ronan; and siblings Herman Knaebe, Sandie (Nelson) Murphy and Mark Knaebe.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don Taylor on April 16, 2021 and by her sister Alice Bradford.

Private burial was held at Prairie Home Cemetery for family and close friends.

A celebration of Carol’s life will take place on March 23, 2026 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, N6 W31449 Alberta Drive Delafield, WI 53018 with visitation from 2:30 PM until 4:30 PM followed by a 4:30 PM memorial service. Memorials in Carol’s name are appreciated to Wisconsin Philharmonic P.O. Box 531 Waukesha, WI 53187 (wisphil.org).