Carol Ione Rufer

Carol Rufer, 99, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in her home surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

On January 10, 1927, Carol was born in Tenney, Minnesota, to Adolph and Julia (Anderson) Wilbrecht. She moved from Minnesota to the Mishawaka area in 1951. On August 25, 1945, she married Robert Rufer. They shared nearly twenty years of marriage before his passing on January 2, 1965.

Carol spent 23 years employed in housekeeping at Memorial Hospital. Later she worked in the cafeteria at LaSalle Elementary School in Mishawaka, fully retiring when she was in her 80’s. She took great pride in serving others through her work and was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and caring nature.

More than anything, Carol treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose home was always filled with warmth, encouragement, and unconditional love. She enjoyed hiking and one of her favorite places was the 5-mile bike trail in Potato Creek State Park. She also loved traveling and spending winters with her children who live in the West. Carol's faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a long-time member of River Park Baptist Church and Maranatha Baptist Church which has become Hillcrest Baptist Church.

She is survived by her children, Russell Rufer, Wayne (Marie) Rufer, Bruce (Marsha) Rufer, Rosemary Johnson, Cherri (Royce) Gray, David (Denise) Rufer and son-in-law, Jim Barnes. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren;

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Julia Wilbrecht; husband, Robert Rufer; her children, Nancy Barnes, Cindy (Jack) Orth, Joyce Marie Rufer and Francis Rufer; grandsons, Bruce Rufer, Jason Barnes, and Jeffery Barnes; her siblings, Helen Eaton, Phyllis Olthoff, Inez Moore, Eldon Wilbrecht, Earl Wilbrecht, Lloyd Wilbrecht, Lester Wilbrecht, and Donald Wilbrecht.

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, visitation is from 1:00-2:00 p.m., with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. Both will be held at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. For those that cannot attend in person, this service will be live streamed. The link is here:

https://youtube.com/live/PoSvIqveriQ?feature=share

Pastor Chris Brown will officiate. Carol’s ashes will be interred at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger at a later date.

The family wishes to thank all who have offered their prayers, support, and friendship during this difficult time. Carol's memory will be cherished forever by those who loved her.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.