Carol Boots

Mary Carol Boots, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. She was born on August 27, 1937, daughter of the late David and Lucille (Nackers) Vande Hey. Carol married Robert H. “Bob” Boots on June 25, 1957 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Carol was a woman of deep faith and boundless love. Her faith was the foundation of who she was. Carol attended Mass daily at her parish, Holy Spirit, and was actively involved in the church, including care ministry, eucharistic ministry, leading the rosary, church choir, and many faith-filled retreats.

Above all else, Carol’s greatest love was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and prioritized attending all of her grandchildren’s games, performances, and milestones. Carol also crocheted a blanket for each of her grandchildren, which are now lasting symbols of her love and devotion to her family.

Carol worked for many years at the Kimberly Mill in internal sales, where she was known for her dedication and reliability. In her later years she embraced new joys, including Healing Touch, traveling, and learning to paint. She developed a love for watercolor art, creating many beautiful pieces for her family and friends.

One of Carol’s greatest joys was spending time with family and friends at the family cottage on Lake Poygan, where she spent nearly every summer weekend throughout her life. She was also a devoted member of her card club for over 55 years, valuing the friendships, laughter, and traditions that came with it.

Carol is survived by her loving children: Mary (Ralph) Van Nuland, Dr. James (Joan) Boots, Margery Blondin, Dr. William (Emilie) Boots, and Judy (Steve Becker) Boots-Becker; grandchildren: Ellen (Alex) Del Castillo, Rebecca (Laura) Yaeger, Jacob (special friend, Courtney Zempel) Van Nuland, Dr. Matthew (Sarah) Boots, Eric (Katelin) Boots, Dr. Kevin (Alona) Boots, Kimberly Boots, Thomas (fiancé, Stephanie Mayer) Blondin, Joshua Blondin, Dr. Elizabeth (Timothy Pairitz) Boots, Jennifer (Andrew) Schmitz, Benjamin (fiancé, Olivia Steinke) Boots, and Luke Becker; great grandchildren: Emma, Eloise, Jack, Marcus, Brianna, Makenna, Carson, Lydia, Landon, William, and Charlie Jean; brother, Jack (Marian) Vande Hey; sister, Barbara Vande Hey; sister-in-law, Diane (Stephen) Smits; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Boots; parents, David and Lucille Vande Hey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Elizabeth (Hartjes) Boots; son-in-law, Jay Blondin; sister, Helen (Robert) Bolwerk; and brother, Ronald Vande Hey.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Name of Jesus Church, 620 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly. Visitation will be at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Boots family would like to extend a special thank you to the many friends and family members who have supported them in prayer. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses involved in Carol’s care and the staff of St. Paul Elder Services and Hospice for their compassion and support.