Caryl J. Hatfield

On Wednesday, March 11, 2021, Caryl Jean Hatfield passed away at age 92 at her daughter’s home in Illinois. Caryl was born on September 6, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Walter and Irene Ramthun. She received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Madison General Hospital, and later, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Milton College. In 1948, Caryl married William J. Hatfield and they raised four children. She worked as an RN for many different hospital systems across the country, including the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and as a nurse consultant for the State of Wisconsin Children with Special Needs. Caryl and William were divorced in 1988. Caryl was an active church member wherever she lived and sang with the choir at Luther Memorial Church in Madison, WI for many years. With a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, she supported many causes, including social equality, animal rights, and public media. When she wasn't surrounded by family, she was traveling the world or reading about faraway places in one of her many books. Her family will always remember her for the way she loved animals, her wit, independence, and endless compassion. Caryl was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Irene; brother, Robert; ex-spouse, William; son, Scott Hatfield; daughter-in-law, Lynne Hatfield; and grandchild, Adam Haese. She is survived by her son, William (Pam) Hatfield; daughters: Julie (Randy) Haese and Gail (Bob) Diss; daughter-in-law, Carole Hatfield; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A private memorial service for the family will be held in Madison, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Heifer International (https://heifer.org) in her memory.