Carol Mae Yoemans

COTTAGE GROVE - Carol Mae Yoemans, age 93, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was born on April 16, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Minn., the daughter of William and Genevieve (Stengel) Walsh.

Carol was united in marriage to Albert Steven Yoemans on November 29, 1952. Over the next 12 years, Carol and Al traveled across the United States and Canada for his career. In 1964 they paused to welcome their first child and shortly thereafter, resumed traveling for Al’s career. In 1969, Carol and Al moved to Cameron, Mo., where they established roots to welcome the birth of their son. In 1975, Carol and her family moved to Cottage Grove, Wis., where Carol resided until her passing.

Carol’s favorite family tradition was to return to her hometown of Hill City, Minn., to enjoy the 4th of July festivities with her mom, sister and brothers and their families. The festivities included the Hill City parade, a family picnic at her mom’s house, reuniting with friends from her school days, celebrating her brother-in-law’s July 4th birthday, and enjoying the fireworks at the end of the day.

Prior to Carol's stroke in 2020, she was a faithful and active member of Door Creek Church. Prior to that she was an active member of New Beginnings Alliance Church. Carol joined a Bible study group in Cottage Grove where she formed lasting friendships with many of the members. She was also an avid camper and belonged to several camping clubs including the Wisingles, the Bell Ringers, and Good Sam Club.

After Al passed, Carol bravely began pulling her 30-foot camper with her one-ton dually to Harlingen, Texas. For the next 17 years she made her annual trek to Texas where she was fondly known as a winter Texan. Over the years, she enjoyed spending time with her permanent Texas neighbors and her wintering Texan friends.

Carol was a talented seamstress and tailor. In her early years she made many of her clothes and later tailored her purchases to fit her. She also made uniforms for a local restaurant. She was an excellent cook, and she enjoyed making homemade treats. She enjoyed bargain shopping with her sister, Corice. Carol loved to feed the birds and thoroughly enjoyed attracting hummingbirds all summer long. She treasured the numerous cats and dogs that were her loyal companions throughout her life. Her beloved cat, Mittens, brought her enormous joy until her last day.

Carol is survived by her son, Bryan (Kathleen) Yoemans; daughter, Jolene (Gordon) Ace; granddaughters, Jordan Seamans and Kelcee Seamans; great-grandchildren, Savannah and Justice; brother, Jon Walsh; sister-in-law, Jan Walsh; beloved cat, Mittens; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; parents, William and Genevieve; brothers, Gerald (Lucy) Walsh and William (Dorothy) Walsh; sister, Corice (Elvis) Schindele; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Walsh.

Carol’s dear friend, Jeanie, sent Carol’s son the following Bible verse which was significant because the numbers matched the date of her death. Her children wanted to share this message with her family and friends.

John 3:16 - God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow the burial at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Carol's memory to Agrace HospiceCare or Samaritan's Purse. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420