Carol Thomas
Recording of the mass
Obiturary from Grau Funeral home
Carol Elaine Thomas, 85 of McGregor, Iowa passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025 at her home. Carol Elaine (Voshell) Thomas was born on November 10, 1939 at home in Arlington, Iowa 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 September 21, 1957 at the 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, WI. 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, Terry (Wilbeth). She is survived by seven grandchildren and four step grandchildren. Also eleven 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, Marcia White (Dale Grant). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Predeceasing Carol were her parents, husband, sisters Genevieve Hjlemberg, 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 will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church on Tuesday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in McGregor, Iowa with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the Celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in McGregor, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, Iowa is assisting the family with services