Carolyn C. Wicker passed away peacefully on May 23 ^rd , 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Carolyn was born on January 22 ^nd , 1937, to parents Royal James Colter and Phyllis Marion Goschenhofer.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband James R. Wicker, siblings James (Grace) Colter, Eleanor (Duke) Fisher, Larry (Doris) Colter, and Lois (Dick) Chapin.  She is survived by her children Gloria (Steve) Doyle, Cindi (Van) DeHart, Mike (Sue) Wicker, Mark Wicker, and by many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Carolyn liked to say that she was a "city girl", born in New York and raised in Detroit.  She received her bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, where she studied to become a speech and language therapist and met her future husband and love-of-her-life, James R. Wicker.

Carolyn and Jim were united in marriage on November 7 ^th , 1959 and shared their lives together until Jim passed away in 2008.  Throughout their life together, they lived in Detroit, MI; Rochester, NY; Chicago, IL; Racine, WI; and Janesville, WI.  Most recently, Carolyn had been living at Eagle Crest in Onalaska, WI, where she was surrounded by family and friends, enjoyed shopping and dining with her daughter Gloria, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughters Katie and Stephie, and received frequent visits from all her other family members and friends.  She had an active social life with many varied interests, including choir, group outings, get-togethers over cards and happy hours, and participation in the Red Hats Society.

Jim and Carolyn raised four children together and had twelve grandchildren.  Carolyn worked as a speech and language therapist, homemaker, teacher, nursing home administrator, and was a manager at the Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Carolyn had an inspiring zest for life, and she spread joy to everyone she met.  She leaves behind a formidable legacy of pure, genuine, whole-hearted kindness.  Her kids and grandchildren meant everything to her, and we were all lucky to have her immense love and support.  Her optimism was completely contagious, and we all loved her wonderful laugh.  We cherished her love for family, friends, pets, animals, sports (Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and Lions), sailboats, fashion, fine dining, and watching Jeopardy!

In lieu of a memorial service, the family is planning a celebration of life gathering.  To share your thoughts and memories of Carolyn, or to plant trees in remembrance, please visit the Beal Funeral Homes website at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.