Helen J. Carroll

Helen Jane (Hanson) Carroll, age 95, of Beloit, WI passed away on January 26, 2025 with adoring family at her side. A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned for warmer weather.
Helen was born April 30, 1929 in Iowa County, WI to Marcus and Sallie (Heath) Hanson. Marcus was a cheese maker, and Helen's childhood years were spent in the rural Driftless terrain of Wisconsin (Waldwick, Mineral Point) and Clayton County, Iowa (Gunder/Postville). She graduated Mineral Point High School in 1946 and went on to train and work with Western Union Telegraph Company for a period.
Helen married Bernard A. Carroll on February 12, 1949 in Beloit. Together they dairy farmed near Orfordville. The growing family was very active in the Newark-Beloit 4-H Club. In total Helen volunteered for 4-H for 50 years including: leading the club; teaching numerous children to cook, sew/quilt, and make home improvement projects; and she organized the Junior Leaders program. The Rock County 4-H Fair was a highlight of the year for the family.
Helen and Bernie helped to better the lives of farm families through electricity and they were involved with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Ahead of her time, in the 1970s, Helen addressed the national REA conference as chair of the women's committee. Other myriad volunteerism included writing appeals to raise money for the American Heart Association. For years, Helen helped to administer the Newark Town Hall; she was a familiar face at the local elections, becoming the chief township election inspector.
In 1985, Helen and Bernie retired from dairy farming. Helen began working as a nanny for the son of Beloit College's president. During this period Helen's travels to far flung places began: first to Barbados. No longer tethered to milking the cows twice a day, she later joined family members in visiting other countries: China, Norway, Spain, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, and Canada. In fact, she may have been the most travelled farmer of her generation; she would go on to visit more than half of the states in the U.S.
Always a lover of the land and nature, Helen experienced nearly 20 national parks and forest system lands.
Helen never asked to go anywhere – she was invited. She was always up for an adventure. Not one to complain, she was an enthusiastic travelling companion and skilled map reader and navigator. Multi-day Amtrak train trips west and south to spend time with dear family members – sisters, nieces, nephews – were also highlights of her travels.
Helen stood out for her amiable nature and selflessness; she was a fast friend and readily inspired anyone with whom she crossed paths.
Helen was enterprising and known for the annual Barnyard Bazaar, a craft fair, which was held at the farmhouse and attracted hundreds of people, many coming just for Helen's homemade candies and wood crafts. Helen sold her sweet corn in the summer, and her Scandinavian "tea ring" pastry was sought after at the holidays. She was generous with her time, seemingly endless energy, and willingness to help most anyone. With her master seamstress skills, she tailored for many and made many a lucky woman a custom wedding dress.
Helen was a lifelong learner: in her 70s she learned to swim, took computer classes, began working as a caterer, and even started a Mary Kay business. She was happiest when she was busy and purposeful – such as when she was gardening, baking, and taking on most any project, the harder the better. Some of her favorite hobbies were: photography, arts/crafting, playing cards and word games, camping, road trips, and reading.
Helen is survived by five of her seven children: Leonard, Jeffrey (Theresa), Randy (Carrie Ann), Laura, and Carrie Lee (Drew). She is preceded in death by: Bernard and daughters Susan (Frank Crow) and Patricia (Sopsick); five brothers (Gale, Earl, Albert, Lyle, and Marc); and, four sisters (Ila Marshall, Lena Gowman, Iva Pontecorvo, and Izetta Umland). Helen's grandchildren are: Christopher (Nicole) Carroll; Carissa (Ryan) Carroll; Tobias (Allison) Appel, and Jared (Dana) Appel. There are five great grandchildren (Madison, Athena, Zelda, Greyson, and Evie) and three step grandchildren (Gwen, Madison, and Quill).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family is grateful for the hardworking caregivers at Cedar Crest and SSM Health/Hospice St. Mary's, Janesville, WI.
Helen will always live on in our hearts.