Carolyn Marie Anderson, 84, lifelong Poplar resident, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on June 25, 2026.

Carolyn was born in Hawthorne, WI on November 12, 1941, the daughter of Daniel and Helga Johnson.

She spent her early years working as a nurse. However, after the birth of her third child, she chose to stay home to raise her young children and eventually channeled her nurturing spirit into her home and community, opening “Carolyn’s Corner” daycare. For nearly 35 years, she lovingly operated the daycare, opening her heart and home to hundreds of children, caring for and loving each of them as if they were her own. She loved her daily conversations with parents and families and took great pride in helping them raise their children. She and Jim also opened their home to numerous foster children over the years.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was found in the company of others. A vibrant and deeply social person, she was well-known for greeting family and friends with her trademark strong arm grip or a wonderfully tight hug. She lived life with a spirited energy, which was often on full display whenever she was driving her Kubota – always just a little bit too fast.

Above all, Carolyn was incredibly proud of her family. Some of her greatest memories were spent on the sidelines and in the audience, cheering on her grandchildren during sports and their many other activities.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 2016; mother and father, Helga and Daniel; brothers, Conrad and Cedric; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Linnea and Leslie Anderson; as well as many other dear family and friends.

Carolyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Kim (Scott) Pearson, Kurt (Anne) Anderson, Kraig (Anne) Anderson, Kara (Frank) Hietala, Kyle (Stephanie) Anderson, and Nathan (Brittney Johnson) Anderson; 13 grandchildren, Paige (Luke) Wieker, Brooke (Sosthene) Nyangda, Brent (Cali) Anderson, Tyler (Bethany) Anderson, Cole (Maddie) Anderson, Kennedy (Talon) Ottinger, Hayden (Alicia) Anderson, Sydney (Shane Sipsas) Anderson, Ava Anderson, Hadley Anderson, Piper Anderson, Bryndel Anderson, and Aria Anderson; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Courtney Johnson; sisters-in-law, Sandy Johnson and Pat Jessup; brother-in-law, Ronald Anderson; and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Bev Parsons.

A private family burial will be held on August 10th followed by a Celebration of Life from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Grainary at Lake Valley Farm, 4346 S County Road P, Poplar, WI 54864. In Carolyn’s words, “Please stop by for a cup of coffee,” and share a favorite memory with the family.