Carol Brooks

Carol Jean Brooks, age 70, of Post Lake, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at her home.

Carol was born on September 6, 1953, in Illinois, a daughter of the late Dean and Laurine (Amfahr) Harms and sister to Nancy. Her life was shaped by the encouragement of her parents, who made sure their daughters knew that they could do anything a man could (and likely do it better). She spent her childhood in Elburn, IL, then graduated from Carroll College with a degree in math and economics. Taking her mom and dad’s assertions to heart, and paving her own path, she also received her master’s degree in an unprecedented single year, from the University of Connecticut in math economics.

Carol met her life partner, Kenton Brooks, during a summer camping trip in Florida. The happenstance of meeting in line with their friends, led to sharing a campsite, which shaped the rest of their lives. On June 23, 1979, they married in Elburn, IL. Their family expanded with the arrival of their children Steve, Laura, and Ryan. Though they resided primarily in Illinois, the family began to spend more and more time at the family property in Post Lake, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed time at the lake, boating, waterskiing, and snowmobiling. In 1997, they made Antigo, WI their home, and in 2009, Carol and Ken moved permanently to Post Lake. During their nearly 45 years of marriage, they embraced their active lifestyle and made wonderful memories with family, which included dear friends and neighbors.

Carol’s business acumen was apparent from an early age. After a tenure at Texaco, Carol quickly rose among the ranks at Montgomery Ward, finishing her career as a Senior Vice President and Treasurer. As one of the only women in the room, her attention to detail, tenacity and intellect gave her a seat at any table. Carol’s ability to listen and strategize meant that she could easily command a situation, outmaneuver the competition, and guarantee success. She pioneered practices, managed billions in financial briefings and credit lines, and paved the way for women in her field. Upon moving to Antigo, she and her husband, Ken developed, owned, and operated a successful family business, Northern Renovations Painting. They used their individual strengths and combined expertise to operate successfully as a team for many years.

Carol spent her life surrounded by friends and family, who she endlessly nurtured, supported and spent countless hours dedicated to building memories. Carol’s family and friends remember her as being the effortless hostess, constantly making sure her loved ones were provided for. She was the mastermind of creating fun out of nothing, getting everyone to run around the house barefoot in the snow, or creating relay races that utilized every inflatable water toy in the summer. Most recently, her creativity took a spotlight in the development of a trail through the woods at their home. Carol spent untold hours and resources decorating the trail for Halloween and other holidays, going so far as to incorporate the year’s highlights into full size skeleton dioramas.

Carol ensured through her own experiences that her children had a foundation in adventure and sports. She taught them a love of competition and saying yes to any opportunity. She found immense joy in watching her children and grandchildren pursue sports and recreation activities, and was known to drive 4+ hours, just to catch the end of one of their events. Carol’s love of snowmobiling was passed on to her entire family, and many miles were a result of her insistence to enjoy every moment of every season.

In addition to her husband Ken, Carol is survived by three children: Steve (Nichole) Brooks of Hartland, Laura Brooks of Milwaukee, Ryan (Claire) Brooks of Wausau, and four grandchildren: Lily, Collin, Bridget, and Connor. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Heuertz.

The family will be planning a private celebration of Carol’s life on June 29th at 2:00 PM at W8842 North Point Lane, Elcho WI. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time on the water with your families this summer and leave the dishes for later.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may visit online at strasserrollerfuneralhome.com.