Carrie L. Grimmer

It’s impossible to encapsulate all of who Carrie was in a few short paragraphs, because the honest truth is that no amount of words would be able to describe the impact that Carrie had on the lives around her. 

Anywhere she lived, whether it was in Illinois, where she grew up or in Missouri where she started her life with Kurt, or Texas where they had their twin boys or in Wisconsin where she built a community for the past 6 years, the truth is that anyone who had the privilege of coming into contact with Carrie was better because of it. Everyone has their own “Carrie Story.” Everyone. How she helped, how she stepped in, how she made a difference, how she made us laugh, how she loved us with her heart and also with her talents and time. 

Her life was certainly marked by accomplishments and college sports and different careers. But more importantly her life was marked by joy, and a deep belly laugh, and the most “can-do” attitude you ever saw. She had fierce love and protection for her people and for her family. She had deep love and admiration for her husband, Kurt, and the best kind of mother pride for her two amazing sons, Ben and Braxton. She loved those boys more than anything. (But don’t worry, they always did their homework and didn’t have too much sugar.) 

Her life was marked by deep love for her family. Love for her parents Kenny and Beverly Bivens. (And we know how thrilled Carrie is to be with her mom again, and probably commenting on how wrinkly our shirts are, and gasping if anyone ever spent more than $30 on an article of clothing) She had such love for her sisters, Dana and Kris and her adored nieces and nephews. She had deep love for her aunts and uncles and cousins that became her friends. And she loved her in-laws, Jerry and Nancy Grimmer as well as the entire Grimmer family. 

And while cancer took her from this world too soon, cancer did not get the final say. Here is what got the final say in Carrie’s life: her unwavering faith in Jesus, her unbelievable strength, her contagious joy, and her impeccable humor. Ultimately, the legacy that she has left on the hearts and lives of those who had the blessing of knowing her, that’s what gets the final say. 

Carrie, we will think of you often and always, but especially every time we finish a really good book, hear a Dolly Parton song and sing about the goodness of God. We will think of you when we see a shirt with ruffles, create a family or holiday tradition, and compete in any game. You left us in awe of your resilience, your strength, your beauty, your laughter and your sparkle until the very end.

Friends and family will gather from 2-3:00 PM on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a celebration of life to begin at 3:00 PM.  A livestream will be available at www.weareheartland.us/carrie.   Please do not bring flowers or plants to the services.

Gifts are not necessary, but if you choose, help the family honor Carrie with a donation to Inheritance of Hope, 1314 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, an organization that supports families with a parent that has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054