Carolyn E. Plautz
April 12, 1942 – August 13, 2025
Carolyn Elisabeth Plautz, cherished mother, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born in St. Louis, MO to Ned and Betty Whitebread, Carolyn’s life was rooted in family, faith, and community. She graduated with pride from Newman Catholic High School in 1960, carrying with her the values of kindness, dedication, and joy that defined her throughout her life.
Life’s journey took Carolyn from city to city — from St. Louis, MO, to Sterling, IL, to Eau Claire, WI, then Burlington, WI, later Nashville, TN, and finally to Omaha, NE, the place she came to call home. Along the way, she built lasting friendships and carried her love of family and laughter wherever she went.
Carolyn found enduring love when she married Lyle Plautz. Together, they created a home filled with warmth and joy until his passing in 2012. Her two sons, Kevin and Brian, were her heart and constant source of pride.
Carolyn worked as an Executive Assistant at Boys Town for more than 20 years, where her warmth, professionalism, and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Beyond her career, she embraced life with energy—especially through Jazzercise, a passion she pursued with enthusiasm. Carolyn also enjoyed singing in a Sweet Adelines group in Wisconsin.
Those who knew Carolyn will remember her for her gentle strength, her caring heart, and the way she made others feel truly valued. Her legacy lives on in her family’s memories and in the countless lives she touched with kindness.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; parents, Ned and Betty Whitebread; brother, Ronald Whitebread.
She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Brian Plautz (Wendie) and Kevin Plautz.
Family will receive friends Monday, August 25th, 5-7pm at West Center Chapel.
Funeral: Tuesday, August 26th, 10am at West Center Chapel.
Inurnment: Calvary
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler
West Center Chapel
7805 West Center Road
Omaha, Ne 68124
(402)-391-3900
2 Comments
Brian and Wendie, so sorry for your loss. We got to visit with Carolyn a couple of times and found her to be such a lovely, poised woman. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron & Laurie
Hi Aunt Laurie,
Thank you for the kind words. She was a sweetheart to the end. She left us with a lot of good memories.
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