Carol R. Kirchner

Carol Rae Kirchner (née Krause), age 87, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Born on January 13, 1938, Carol was the daughter of Dr. Albert and Nellie Krause. She grew up with a love of music, ballet and family that would guide her throughout her life. A proud graduate of Muskogee High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Class of 1956, Carol continued her academic journey at William Woods University, graduating with the Class of 1958.

Carol shared a 68-year devoted marriage with her husband, Alan W. Kirchner Sr., building a life centered around love, resilience, and family. Together they raised four children: Alan W. Kirchner Jr. (Julia), David Kirchner (Scott), Jonathan Kirchner (Jill), and Jennifer Shorts (William). Carol took great pride in her role as a mother and later as a grandmother to Nellie Elizabeth Shorts and Julia Bendon Kirchner.

She is also remembered by her brother Dr. Albert Krause (Jane) and sister Linda Kelly (Thomas), nieces Carolyn Wiley, Rachael Pearce, nephew Andrew Kelly who shared in the many chapters of her life. Carol was predeceased by her beloved parents and her niece Kathy Krause.

Those who knew Carol will remember her as smart, strong, intelligent, creative, organized and a great love of animals especially her dogs, who brought her great comfort and companionship — qualities that defined both her character and the way she approached life’s challenges and joys, alike.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

The family will plan a private celebration of life in the near future.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.