Carol Lynn Erlebach (Kaufmann) was tragically killed on October 3, 2013 in Tahoma, Lake Tahoe, California at the age of 68. 

Carol was assisting her husband in maneuvering a boat and trailer into a driveway, when her husband accidently backed into her, pinning her against a permanently affixed 'bear box' trash bin.  Carol suffered major blunt-force trauma and died in the collision.

A true shining light went out that day on the shores of her beloved Lake Tahoe . . .

At Napa High, Carol was a member of Girls League and the Pep Club.  She also participated in Hall Decorations, the Winter Show, and the Senior Tea.  Carol was voted 'best dressed.'  She was a faithful alum, attending most Reunions.  In her entry in the 1982 Class Reunion Compilation, she described herself as a 'Homemaker' . . .

Photo by Cork Kennedy, circa 2002

Carol graduated from Fresno State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, and married Bill Kaufmann (Napa High Class of 1960) that same year.  They moved to South Pasadena where Carol worked for the Western Regional Office of IBM.  During that time, they built a second home in Homewood at Lake Tahoe.

While in Southern California, Carol was involved in the Parent Teacher Association, the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic Committee, the San Marino Community Chest, and served as Vice President of the National Charity League.  Her interests included playing tennis, skiing in the Sierra, sailing, vacationing in Tahoe, and traveling.  She also enjoyed gardening, reading, interior decorating, children's activities, and sports.

In 1993, Carol and Bill moved full time to Lake Tahoe and Carol began a second career as the Executive Assistant-Business Manager for Loverde Builders in Tahoe City, an upscale developer of lake front, ski area, and golf course custom homes.  It was there that Carol was honored for her volunteer work on 'Community Projects' sponsored by the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe.

With Bill's retirement in 1994, travel became the norm, visiting San Marino, Italy, London, Maui, and various places in Mexico.  She was quite content with all of this, saying "I'm busier than ever and couldn't be happier about that.  My children are near, my job presents challenges daily.  I work for people I love, take vacations frequently, and live in the most beautiful place on earth."

Adapted from Carol's Story written in Classmates.com.

Carol is survived by her husband of 46-years, Bill Kaufmann, one son, one daughter, and one grand-daughter.