Carol Illean Aultman, age 79, of rural Highland, died Wednesday March 2, 2022, at her home. She was born June 1, 1942, in Winnebago County, IL (rural Pecatonica) to Helen O. (Houghton) and Lester A. Highbarger. She lived in the Pecatonica, Durand, and Winnebago areas for 35 years before moving to Highland, WI. A graduate of Pecatonica High School in 1960 her first job was at Associated Publishers, Durand, IL, and later was the editor of one of the newspapers, the Winnebago News. She was employed there for 15 years. She later worked for Ello Furniture, Rockford, IL; Platteville Journal, Platteville; McGuire Plumbing and Heating, Highland; Petrolane Gas Service, Dodgeville; and Land’s End, Dodgeville where she retired after 25 years. She was well known at Land’s End because of the many years of helping organize the large Harris Park Event.
She was married to Leland Anton Aultman on January 21, 1965. They first resided in Winnebago, IL, before moving to rural Highland in 1977. She was an avid bowler and loved all sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Carol enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren participating in wrestling, football, and little league baseball. Her most enjoyable activity was dancing. Her dream was always to be able to live to be 100 and still do the jig! Carol or “mom” to many, wanted everyone to be happy all the time even though her sister Shirley always told her that’s not possible.
She had held offices in the Tower Junction bowling league, Montfort Bowling Association, Cobb Lioness Club and Ritchie-Kohout VFW Auxiliary. She also was Affiliate District President of the Lioness 27-D1, for two different terms. In 2021, Carol was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian services by the Lions Club International Foundation.
The highlight of her life was her 75th birthday gift which was a trip to Hawaii to visit her brother. She had not seen him in 16 years, and they spent 10 wonderful days together.
Survivors include her sons, Bradley (Rose) of rural Montfort; Matthew (Debbie) of Livingston; Jeffrey (LuAnn) of Mineral Point; Christopher (Erika) of rural Montfort; four stepchildren, Teri Tepfer, Brian Aultman, Karen Welterberg, Dawn Marie; 11 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Earl Highbarger of Hawaii; sister-in-law Donna Smith of Minnesota and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; son Daniel; parents; sisters Shirley Van Vleck, Mary Havens and Phyllis Unnerstall; brothers-in-law, Emil Unnerstall, Raymond Havens, Laurel Aultman, Dean Aultman, Doyle Aultman, Neil Aultman and Jim Aultman; nephew Kary Christen; niece Deborah Lucan; step-daughter Kelly Aultman; special friend Bud Light.
Because of Carol’s love of sports people are encouraged to wear Packers, Brewers, Steelers, Cowboys, Vikings, and Bears attire.
Honoring the request of Carol, there will be no formal memorial service held. A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 2:00-6:00 P.M. on Saturday March 12, 2022, at the Castle Rock Inn located at 15040 Shemak Road Muscoda, WI 53573. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care and assistance. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. Cards of sympathy may be sent to 203 West Grant St. Montfort, WI 53569.