Carolyn 'Carol' Ann Alonen

KIMBALL, Wis. - Carolyn Ann Alonen, 60, of Kimball, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer with her loving family by her side.

Carol was born on Dec. 9, 1962, to Roger and Kathleen (Raivio) Baker in Kenosha. She was a 1981 graduate of J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley and a 1983 graduate of Gogebic Community College.

Carol was an active 4-H member all her childhood and as an adult became a leader. Most recently, she received the honor of leadership for 30 years. She was instrumental in starting the 4-H Market Animal Program in Iron County and was so very proud of the Penokee Range Livestock Club of which she was a leader. Carol was a mentor to hundreds of youth in our area over her years of leadership and many came to the Iron County Fair just to see her.

Carol had a great love of animals. Before high school graduation, she began working at the Range Animal Hospital and was still working there until the time of her passing. Carol loved growing up on her parents' dairy farm in Kimball. With great pride, she watched her daughter and son-in-law raise champion beef cattle. Carol was never far from the farm life she loved so much.

Carol was a member of the Iron County Fair Board and served with pride to help make the fair the best ever every year. Her service to the fair board will be greatly missed.

She was an active volunteer for the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department from the day the first truck was delivered. She and her sisters started out volunteering at the annual fundraisers for the department by pouring coffee and clearing dishes, but she soon was promoted to kitchen boss for the annual turkey dinner.

If that all wasn't enough, she was also a member of the Saxon Harbor Boating Club with her husband, Ed, and Ashley and Lane. Their boat, Yust One More, was a place of tranquility for her. After a day of fishing, she would wait for the perfect sunset to capture with her camera. Those were her favorite days, and she couldn't wait for the boats to hit the water in the spring and for fishing to start.

On July 24, 1985, Carol married Edward C. Alonen. He survives. Carol is also survived by her daughter, Ashley (Lane) Passuello, Kimball; her mother, Kathleen Baker, Hurley; two sisters, Sharon (Dan) Ofstad and Mary (John) Smith, both of Kimball; her brothers-in-law, John (Patty) Alonen and Rick (Deb) Alonen, both of Ironwood, Michigan; her sisters-in-law, Edrye (Jim) Harma, Kimball, and Patty Erickson, Ironwood; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Carolyn leaves behind her feisty little Schnauzer, Maesee, who will miss her "Mom" so very much.

Carol was predeceased by her father, Roger E. Baker; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Ida Alonen; her brother-in-law, David Erickson; and her grand-parents, Ina and Delore Baker, and Hilma and Toivo Raivio.

Her warm smile and kind heart will always be a fond memory to those who knew her. Her passion for working with children was something she enjoyed, and she took great pride in all of their achievements, but never took credit for it. She simply let the children shine. She was a staple at the Iron County Fair and could be found in the animal barns helping the 4-H kids prepare their animals for show, working on the record books from the judging, visiting with passersby or even taking a much-needed nap from a very busy weekend of fair fun.

She was the life of family gatherings. The kids were all disappointed this year because she could not be there to provide a new party game, and they all agreed she made parties fun for the kids. She was also the provider of the best desserts at family gatherings and would take photos of the festivities from afar and capture some of the most precious memories.

Carol was so many things to so many people. A daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a mentor, a leader and the best human being you could know. Her family and community will miss her greatly.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, from noon to 3 p.m., at the Kimball Community Center, 5708W Center Drive, in Hurley.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.