Mezzoid Voice Studio

I worked at Windfall Theatre a couple of times, once in a musical based on Dante's Inferno and once in A Little Night Music. But the most important thing to me was that Carol allowed me to have my first studio recitals at the Village Church, including the first cabaret show I ever wrote. She was a very giving person and I'm sorry to hear of her loss.

With deep sadness and love we share the passing of Carol Zippel ❤️ this beautiful obituary was written By her longtime friend Jill Dalke with input from her family.

Carol Ann Zippel of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin died on September 16, 2026 after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Nancy Zippel, and her sisters Beth Ellen and Lisa Mary. She is survived by her Aunt Donna Behling, Uncle Ken Zippel (Annapolis, Maryland) and several cousins. She had been lovingly assisted by Brad and Michelle Behling, Amanda Hull, William Koehn and Vicki Watkins, along with a supporting cast of friends and colleagues in the days leading up to her death.
Carol received her bachelor of arts degree in theater from UW-Eau Claire and thereafter did an acting internship at the Milwaukee Rep. She attended a master class with Uta Hagen at the Guthrie Theater, performed in the past at both Tesseract Theater Company and Next Generation Theater, and directed at Shorewood Players and the Brumder Mansion in Milwaukee. Carol served as President of the Village Church Council for many years and remained active in that congregation where she curated art exhibits, participated in Gallery Night, contributed to the liturgy committee and sang in the choir.
Carol enjoyed nothing more than travelling to Door County, New York City, London and India most recently. She was an avid book collector and reader, and fancied nothing better than a good cup of Earl Gray or frequenting a high tea service. She often yearned to return to the flats at Endsleigh Court Upper Woburn Place in London where she and her parents had visited for many years together.
As a founding member of Windfall Theatre, which came about after an unexpected tax refund, Carol starred in “Women Alone” by Dario Fo for Windfall’s premier in 1992. As artistic producing director and creative force, Carol encouraged local playwrights in providing world premiers in addition to countless other Milwaukee premiers staged at Windfall. Continued collaboration with area directors, musicians, fellow actors, choreographers, costumers, technical staff, stage and house managers along with financial supporters and theater enthusiasts made Windfall a “Fearless” and consistent destination. For 30 years Windfall produced a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts throughout their three shows per season. She incorporated a series of the “Women of Windfall” summer readings featuring some of Milwaukee’s infamous actors. Carol’s direction of “The Birds” by Conor McPherson in 2022 was the last of her legacy.
Carol also co-lead Oneness Blessings at the Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church for the past ten years. Her positive and supportive spirit, wit and words will be missed by many and may her memory forever be a blessing.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be hosted at the Village Church located at 130 East Juneau Avenue (https://www.google.com/maps/search/130+East+Juneau+Avenue?entry=gmail&source=g) on Monday, November 2, 2026 with a visitation at 5:00 p.m. and service beginning at 6:00 p.m.