FALLBROOK, CA. - Carol Jean Stika, 84 years old, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2011, surrounded by her loving children at her home. She was born on April 30, 1927, in Racine, Wisconsin to Marti H. and Alice J. (nee: Mickler) Christiansen. Carol grew up in Racine where she graduated salutatorian from Washington Park High School in 1944. She pursued a career in nursing at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, IL. Her warmth, kindness and academic excellence as a nurse were recognized by both her fellow students and the hospital administration. Carol was voted president of her 1948 graduating class and awarded the honor of best all-around nurse by the Woman's Board of Presbyterian Hospital. After graduating, she taught nursing students at Presbyterian Hospital for two years. It was at Presbyterian Hospital that Carol met Edward A. Stika, MD, a urology resident, and they were married on October 2, 1948. She moved with her husband to Germany where he was stationed until 1953. Upon Ed's separation from the army, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska for 4 years. In 1958, Carol and Ed returned to Racine, Wisconsin to raise their growing family closer to their grandparents. In the late 1960's, Carol recognized that the nation's future need for health care services would quickly outpace the existing manpower. Carol worked passionately both locally and statewide to promote training and recruitment into the health fields. She served as liaison to the Wisconsin Health Council for numerous years and chairperson of the Health Careers-Health Manpower Committee of the Racine County Planning Council. She initiated and developed educational programs to introduce high school students to the variety of health careers and was instrumental in the creation of a nurses' training program at Gateway Technical School in Racine. Carol avidly worked on the Board of the Racine Visiting Nurses Association, Racine's St Luke's Hospital Board of Directors, and St Luke's Hospital School of Nursing advisory committee. She was also active in the First United Methodist Church in Racine and served for many years as an officer in the Women's Society of Christian Service. In 1978, she began working alongside her husband in his urological practice until his retirement in 1988. Carol would frequently comment on how much they enjoyed working together, and Ed would add that patients often changed their appointments if they learned that Carol would not be in the office that day. In 2000, Carol and Ed left many close friends in Racine and moved permanently to Fallbrook, California. In their new residence, they became active members of the Fallbrook United Methodist Church and the Fallbrook Music Society, where Carol was a member of the Quarter Notes auxiliary volunteer group. Carol also helped manage the business affairs of their avocado grove. Carol and Ed quickly grew to love and appreciate their new home and friends. One of Carol's greatest passions was traveling. She especially loved exploring different cultures and discovering beauty in nature and people worldwide. She was an adventurous traveler, back-packing with her young children in the US and Canadian Rockies, canoeing in northern Minnesota, and skiing in Europe. Carol and Ed participated in numerous educational tours in all five continents and developed lasting and meaningful international friendships. Carol was preceded in death 8 months ago by Ed, her beloved husband of 62 years. She is survived by her five, loving children, Catherine S. Stika (James Kaufman), Curtis E. Stika (Sharon), Carren J. Stika (fiancé, Robert Herrmann), Craig C. Stika, and Clayton C. Stika (Rosemary); seven grandchildren (Jennifer, Charles "Omar", Carren Rose, Jillian, MacKenzie, Martin, and Matthew); her sister, Marti Kusel (Conrad); her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Andrew and Evelyn Stika; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Henry Shovers. Carol genuinely enjoyed life. Her love, compassion and wonderful, engaging smile will be greatly missed. A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11 AM, at Fallbrook United Methodist Church, 1844 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook, California. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials may be made to the Fallbrook United Methodist Church, 1844 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook, CA, 92028; the Foundation for Senior Care, P.O. Box 2155, Fallbrook, CA, 92088; and/or the Fallbrook Music Society, P.O. Box 340, Fallbrook, CA, 92088.