Carolyn Ninneman

Carolyn Mary Ninneman (née Horgan), age 89, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. She was born on January 6, 1936, to David and Vernie Horgan in Mankato, Minnesota. She grew up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in a loving and active Catholic family, surrounded by five siblings. Carolyn graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1953, followed by two years at St. Theresa’s College in Winona, Minnesota.

She then discerned her heart’s calling and joined the Saint Dominic’s Monastery community in La Crosse, Wisconsin, entering the Cloistered Contemplative Nuns of the Order of Preachers and taking her vows as Sister Mary Regina. She served the cloistered order and the Lord for eleven years, participating in various capacities centered on penance and prayer, including her lifelong joy of playing the organ for the community. In 1968, the Vatican granted her a release from the religious order.

In 1969, she carried her service and devotion to her Catholic faith into another chapter of life by marrying Thomas R. Ninneman. Together, they adopted their children, Thomas and Margaret. During Tom’s doctoral studies at the University of Wyoming, Carolyn patiently typed many versions of his dissertation. The family later settled in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where Tom began his career at the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Carolyn devoted more than twenty years to raising her children and later operated a small in-home daycare, lovingly caring for several children who remained part of her extended life story, including Kate, who continues to hold a special place in the family’s heart. During these years, Carolyn also perfected the art of crocheting, generously gifting countless handmade stockings and placemats to family and friends.

As they transitioned toward retirement after thirty years in Menomonie, Carolyn and Tom found their focus returning to one another. They moved to Tomah, Wisconsin, and commuted together during Tom’s remaining teaching years, living what they fondly called their “hotel life,” while also pursuing their shared love of traveling.

Building on her years as a mother and caregiver, Carolyn discovered a natural calling as a grandmother. Together, Carolyn and Tom embraced their shared title as grandparents as Mary, Elizabeth, Caroline, Thomas, Christina, and Annabel joined the family. Each grandchild’s arrival compounded her joy and helped keep her young at heart.

Carolyn was an active caregiver for Tom until his passing in 2009. She then established a routine of daily walks to attend Mass at Queen of the Apostles Church and the VA chapel in Tomah. In 2015, she moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, to be closer to Margaret’s family, spending five years at Cass Street Assisted Living before moving to Eagle Crest South Memory Care in 2020. Even with advanced dementia, she spent the final years of her earthly life bringing childlike joy and smiles to those around her.

Carolyn is survived by her two children, Thomas (Amy) of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, and Margaret (Michelle) of La Crosse, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Mary (Chris) Cardon, Elizabeth Ninneman, Caroline Ninneman, Thomas Ninneman, Christina Ninneman, and Annabel Ninneman; two great-grandchildren, Tala and Aurora Cardon; and her brothers, Ed and Ken. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Sr. Ancille and Kaye; and one brother, Jim.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah.  Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Tomah.  Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Catholic Charities of La Crosse, the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin – La Crosse Chapter, or Saint Dominic’s Monastery in Linden, Virginia.