Carol E. Thomas

Carol Elaine Thomas, 85, of McGregor, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at her home. Carol Elaine (Voshell) Thomas was born on Nov. 10, 1939, at home in Arlington, to parents Clifton and Hazel (Adams) Voshell, the third of eight children. She attended a country school until transferring to a public school in Arlington. At the transfer, she was able to skip a grade and be in the next grade ahead. In March of 1955, the Voshell family moved to McGregor in the Sny Magill area. Carol graduated from MarMac with the class of 1957. In school, she was able to participate in band and basketball for a while.

When the family moved to McGregor, Carol met the neighbor boy, Wayne Thomas, who lived just up the hill less than a mile away. She and Wayne dated for a couple of years and were married on Sept. 21, 1957, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor. To this union six children were born. Carol, Wayne and family farmed in the Sny Magill area dairy farming, raising crops and other small livestock and poultry. As the kids graduated and left home, the milking became more difficult and the cows were sold. Carol went to work at Big Bear in Prairie du Chien, Wis. This was a farm store and Carol liked helping and talking to those who shopped there. After Big Bear closed, she went to work at Ace Hardware. Carol also worked at Walmart and Cabela’s for a bit. 

After Wayne passed away on April 14, 2004, she knew she wanted to stay on the farm. She loved living “down in the hollow.” She was able to watch the wildlife without leaving her home. She could see deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoon, opossum and many types of birds just by looking out her windows.

Carol was a 4-H leader of the Peppy Pals/Mendon Hustlers Club for many years. She especially liked making floats and riding in parades with the 4-H club. She spent many hours working in the 4-H stand at the Clayton County Fair.

Carol was a member of The Red Hatters and enjoyed going out to eat and visiting interesting places. She also liked to play cards and did so several times a week. She was also known to visit the casinos on occasion. Carol was an independent and hardworking lady. She spent countless hours cracking walnuts and picking them out. She would then give them as gifts to her family and friends. She also did a lot of canning of vegetables and meat. 

Carol is survived by her six children, Charlene (Rick) Hagensick, Jerry, Stan, Nancy (Dan) Moon, Sherry (Aaron) Adney and Terry (Wilbeth). She is survived by seven grandchildren and four step grandchildren, and also 11 great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren. 

Carol’s surviving siblings include her three younger sisters, Lois Troester, Dixie Riley and Jo Voshell. Surviving in-laws include Marilyn Voshell, Charles Aska, Arlene Lowell and Marcia White (Dale Grant). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Predeceasing Carol were her parents, husband, sisters Genevieve Hjlemberg and Violet Aska, and brothers Ira Voshell and Sydney Voshell (infancy). In-laws predeceasing her were Alan Hjlemberg, Mike Riley, Robert Troester and Robert Lowell.

Carol’s family was very important to her and she liked spending time with them.  She spent many hours attending her family’s sports, dancing and musical events. She will be greatly missed.

A visitation was held April 21, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor, and before Mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial was April 22, at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor, with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant. Interment followed at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in McGregor.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor is assisting the family with services.