Carol Jean Anderson

On April 17, 2026, Carol Jean Anderson (88 years old), after listening to hours of Christian hymns, songs, and a Christian message called “Reaching for the Prize”, breathed her last, surrounded by family.

Carol was born in Freeport, Illinois, to Harry Hill and Marjorie Ruth (Unzicker) Johnson, in Freeport, Illinois, on October 17, 1937, at St Francis Hospital.

Carol graduated high school in Freeport, Illinois, in 1955. As a Freshman, she was awarded Class Queen. As a sophomore, she was elected the Most Beautiful of the class. As a Sophomore, her picture was sent to a contest Eddie Fisher sponsored. Carol came in second place. Carol was a cheerleader her Junior and Senior years.

Carol married her high school sweetheart, Gerald (Jerry) Burton Allen, on October 29, 1955. They had four sons before Jerry’s passing in 1980. Carol then married Gary Lee Anderson on July 10, 1981. Gary passed away in 2017.

Carol had attended a week-long school on teaching Sunday School to 4- and 5-year-olds, which started on a path of teaching Sunday School at 4 different churches over a span of 25 years.

Carol was well-known for her service at the church - as a Sunday School teacher, Church Counsel leader, Women’s Retreat leader, prayer leader, and for suggesting an Alzheimer’s Group.

Carol was well known for her many years of service in Avon. She was an Avon Lady in Mosinee for 50 years, gaining many friends and relationships. Over the years, Carol was awarded 1st in Sales in her District for 7 years, 2nd or 3rd in Sales for 8 years, and winning the Spirit of Avon Award- the first to achieve that award.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Marjorie Johnson, her husbands, Jerry Allen and Gary Anderson, her sister, Peggy Johnson and son at birth, Douglas Patrick Allen.

She is survived by her brothers, Harry (Bub) Johnson and James (Jim) Johnson (Marcia). Sons Michael (Mike) Allen (Regina), David (Dave) Allen, Charles (Chuck) Allen (Karen).

Grandchildren, Robyn (Andrew) Kayes, David Allen, Josh Murray, Aaron Murray, Ty Murray, Holly Neeley, Heidi (Freddie) Stouffer, Carl (Stephanie) Wanserski, Mark (Rachael) Allen, Paige (Matthew) Ross. Great-grandchildren, Zychray (Zee) Kayes, Gamaya (Maya) Kayes, Dominic Murray, Skyler Murray, Connor Murray, Diana Murray, Leeland Neeley, Olive Neeley, Liza Neeley, Zoey Stouffer, Paizley Stouffer, Finn Stouffer, Mavis Stouffer, McKinley Wanserski, Roslyn Wanserski, Monroe Wanserski, Maverick Wanserski, Nataliee Ross, Chloe Ross, Jade Ross, Kate Ross.

Nieces and Nephews, Karen Johnson, Susanna Johnson, Mandy Moss, Ryan Armagost, Jaime Stepan, Jessica Leseberg, and Mackenzie (Tyler) Olsen.

Carol will be remembered for her love of the Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, bird-watching, creating albums of family members, and most of all, remembering birthdays and anniversaries by mailing beautiful cards to all the special people in her life. She will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Hospice House for the excellent, compassionate care they gave Carol.

A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m., on May 30, 2026, at Mosinee United Methodist Church. Pastor Timothy Gurlea will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. A luncheon will follow the service. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.