1943 ~ 2025
Carolyn Rasmussen Wickel Stauffer, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Bluffdale, Utah on December 20, 2025. Born on November 9, 1943, Carolyn grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from Granite High School. She later attended the University of Utah, where she pursued her education and began a lifelong connection to the institution.
Carolyn dedicated her career to helping students succeed as a Student Counselor in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at the University of Utah, where she worked with compassion and integrity until her retirement in 2004. Her commitment to education and service touched countless lives as she helped students secure grants and scholarships to fund their dreams. Certainly, her assistance and encouragement helped so many students complete their degrees.
Outside of her professional life, Carolyn found joy in simple pleasures. She loved gardening and sewing, hobbies that reflected her creativity and care for others. Her home was always warm and welcoming, filled with the beauty of her garden and the handiwork of her sewing.
Carolyn is survived by her children Mark Wickel, Stacey Wickel, and Ryan Wickel, and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Mindee Garamendi, her husband Buck Stauffer, Siblings Dennis Rasmussen and Arlene Taylor, and her parents, Evan and Marva Rasmussen.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, Utah 84092. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Carolyn's life and legacy. Viewing at 11:00 am, Service at 12:00 pm, Interment 1:00 pm, Luncheon around 2:00 pm.
Carolyn will be remembered not only for her kindness and dedication but also for her terrific sense of humor, which brought laughter and light to everyone around her.
I love Carolyn so much. She has been a good friend to me over the years. She has helped me on so many sewing projects. Her kindness and her friendship will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Stacey and family. She was so fun to hang out with, I had a lot of laughs, and went through a lot of hard stuff. Only wish I could’ve been in a position to be more helpful. I had no idea you lost Mindee too. She was so beautiful, just like her sister. Please feel free to call me anytime. I would love to hear from you. 417-559-6299.