Carol (Karst Breneman) Walker

Carol Walker, 90, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at Genacross at Wolf Creek in Holland, Ohio. She leaves behind a devoted family who were the center of her life and a legacy of strength, faith, and love.

In 1958, Carol's life changed dramatically when her husband, Dennis Breneman Sr., was seriously injured in an accident that caused lifelong disabilities. With three young children, Carol became the family's primary caregiver and the steady presence who held the household together.

As her family grew, Carol began a career outside the home. She joined WTOL-TV as a switchboard operator and rose through the organization to become the station's first female business manager, an accomplishment of which she was immensely proud. She later brought her experience to Walker Furniture, where she also served as business manager.

In her later years, Carol was reunited with her son, Philip Ritzenthaler, after many years apart. Their reunion, just a few years ago, was a deeply meaningful chapter in her life.

Carol's Catholic faith was a constant throughout her life. A faithful, longtime member of St. Joan of Arc Parish, she regularly attended Mass and sang in the church choir. Her love of music and faith came together in one of her most treasured experiences: traveling to Rome with the choir and having the opportunity to sing there.

Carol is survived by her children, Denny Breneman Jr. (Jeannie), Peggy Vorderburg (the late Dennis Vorderburg), Kathy Keil (Andrew), Sandy Bauchman (George), and Philip Ritzenthaler (Carol); her sister, Judith Myers (Jerry); her sister-in-law, Cindy Gere; her brother-in-law, Tim Breneman (Brenda); 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis Breneman Sr.; her second husband, Bruce Walker; her brother, Dr. Thomas O. Karst (Barbara); and her parents, Otto and Marie (Beck) Karst.

A visitation will be held in Carol's honor on Friday, September 18, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH. The Rosary will be prayed immediately following visitation at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania, OH, on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 10 a.m. Carol will be laid to rest at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park immediately following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Care360 Hospice.