Mrs. Carol Jean Wittenauer, age 84, of Louisville, returned to her Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Mrs. Wittenauer was born in Louisville, KY on December 22, 1941 to the late William P. O’Brien and Dorothy Gorman O’Brien. She was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Carol was a whimsical maker of mischief, mostaccioli, and the best pancakes around (regular, chocolate chip, and Mickey Mouse varieties). When Carol was not organizing pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, or tree trimming she could be found subjecting her friends to her exceptional card shark skills. Carol enjoyed playing chauffeur to her grandchildren and their friends where she was an expert at diagnosing the tweenage ailment known as Schnickelfritz disease. She had one rule for all to follow, if figure skating or Notre Dame football were on TV, don’t call, she’s busy. Carol’s door was open to all souls both lost and found, and has been described as the nicest mom on the block. To sum her up, Carol was the glue bringing everyone together for Christmas, birthdays, vacations of all sizes, and family reunions always finding intentional ways to bring whimsy and general silliness to each event creating lifelong memories. Carol left an indelible mark on all those she met.
In addition to her parents, her brothers, Thomas “Tommy” O’Brien (Clarice) and William “Buzz” O'Brien (Joan and Sharon) preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Joseph F. Wittenauer Jr.; children, David Wittenauer (Annie), Debra Worth (James), and Darrell Wittenauer (Jenny); Grandchildren, Sabastian Worth (Virginia), Kayleigh Worth (Evan), Nick Wittenauer, and Zach Wittenauer, Sisters Bonnie Schnarre (K -deceased), Gerry Michael (Benny - deceased), Patsy Hagan (Gary - deceased), Dorothy “Dot” Ammeter (Tom - deceased), brothers James “Jimmy” O’Brien (Jean - deceased), and Michael “Mickey” O’Brien (Pat), in addition to loving brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (11501 Maple Way, Louisville, KY 40229) with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects on Wednesday from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home (4895 N. Preston Hwy., Shepherdsville, KY)
Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital can be made in lieu of flowers.
