Carol Ann Huizenga, 82, of Tolono, IL, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on September 23rd, 2024 and is now in the arms of the Lord. She was born in Hammond, IN to Jacob and Carrie Fisher on October 10th, 1941. Following her graduation from Illiana Christian High School, Carol attended beauty school which led to a career she loved styling hair spanning well into the 1990s. At age 18, she married Henry "Hank" Huizenga and lived in wedded bliss for 64 years. She adopted two sons, raising them as her own and loving them as equally as her biological daughter. Though Carol was an only child, she had several cherished cousins and friends who were more like sisters to her.

Throughout her 82 years, Carol was a lifelong fashionista wearing stylish jewelry who loved dancing at her pool parties and winning a card game of Hand and Foot. Not much got past Carol, she was quick to join a conversation, give her opinions, and was sharp as a tack. As soon as Carol's feet hit the floor in the morning, she was working and talking, whether that was whilst cooking, cleaning, tending to her family, or balancing multiple tasks. She was passionate about gardening, canning, crafting, garage sailing, singing alto in the church choir, and camping with her family. Carol was fortunate enough to have visited 48 U.S. states, only missing Alaska and Hawaii. She was a loyal Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, yet her favorite sporting events of all to watch were those of her grandchildren.

Carol was an avid church-goer and never skipped a prayer before a meal. In her early years, Carol was a faithful member of Munster Christian Reformed Church in Munster, IN. From 2003 on, she became a proud member of the Tolono Presbyterian Church in Tolono, IL where she volunteered as a youth group cook and was well known as "the cook with the coolest hats."

Carol Ann was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Ryder Huizenga. She is survived by her husband, daughter Dawn Huizenga, sons Duane (Kerry) Huizenga and Mark Huizenga, and grandchildren John Flavin, Shannon Flavin, Marley Huizenga, and Corina Huizenga.

Carol's loved ones will joyfully remember her for her pretty red hair, flower-filled yard, Pepsi in-hand, and of course - tupperware full of chocolate chip cookies with a piece of bread to keep them fresh. She was a true treasure who always made sure to be there for her family and friends and will be greatly missed by many.

Friends may visit with Carol's family on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services for Carol will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Deborah Slack officiating. Carol will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lansing, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to either of the following: National Breast Cancer Foundation; and Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA), two foundations near and dear to her.