Carol A. Hoover

Carol Ann Hoover, age 72, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 at the Iron River Care Center. Carol was born September 13, 1945 in Stambaugh, MI. She was the daughter of the late Theodore “Ted” Kumkoski and Genevieve June “Sweet Pea” (Sadowski) Kumkoski. She attended the Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School, with the Class of 1963. Carol married early in life. She married William C. Hoover of Gary, Indiana and resided in California, while he honorably served his country overseas, in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, they then lived for a short time in Gary, Indiana and then Chicago, Illinois. As “life moved on”, she returned to Iron River, raising her two boys in a town filled with wonderment for two curious young lads. It was during this time that she enrolled in long distance learning at Gogebic Community College. After a few years, having gone as far as she could toward her degree in her beloved small hometown, she ventured forth to the big city of Marquette, Michigan, to further her studies. Carol attended Northern Michigan University – completing her Bachelors of Science Degree in Fine Arts in 1983, while simultaneously being a single mom. Carol Ann set the example for life by working in numerous positions. While at Northern, she worked in food service and also, while in Marquette, at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans as a bus aide, as well as the elderly and adult foster care profession. Carol was a “trendsetting woman” in a man’s world in that she was a Webelos Den Leader, and later, a Cub Scouts Leader. After retiring, Carol relocated back to Iron River. She then transitioned into being a Girl Scout Leader for several years, taking “her girls“ on several trips – including Lambeau Field and a large Girl Scout Convention in Washington, D.C. She mentored many young ladies in their formative years, and in Carol’s later years, a few of them were able to return the favor and care for her.  Carol was a 30 plus year member of A.A. – Alcoholics Anonymous. Hereto she was a sponsor and friend to dozens of women. She would occasionally quote The Big Book to her children and friends. When asked about her over 30 years of sobriety, she would humbly say, “It was only a daily reprieve…” P. 85. Carol was an empathetic listener and wise counselor and because of these qualities, many women from all walks of life, relied on her for support and love. Carol was a member of the former Assumption Catholic Church of Iron River (The Polish Church), and a current member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. It is important to note, Carol embraced people of all faiths, especially the Native American customs and traditions. Throughout the years, she attended dozens of Pow-Wows, where she sold her hand beaded, traditional Native American jewelry. Carol was an amazing artist, working in numerous mediums. She frequently won ribbons, including the Blue Ribbon for her paintings at the Iron County Fair. She was an animal lover at heart and a few short years ago, would frequently be seen walking her dog, Taffy, to the far reaches of Iron River. She loved painting, crafts, walking, and just being a good friend. As an encouragement to other women, it certainly deserves mention that she was a four time breast cancer survivor. Having lost her hair multiple times, endured chemo and radiation and all the other nasty stuff that goes with it; she lived over 20 years with “it” in the background. Carol had her “last rites” read to her on two different occasions, and surprised us all by coming back from the edge several times! She is survived by her sons, Raymond Hoover of Marquette, MI and Douglas Hoover of Sweden; sister, Theodora “Cookie” Flancher of Iron River, MI; three grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, and David Hoover; nephews, Shawn Autio and Steven Flancher; nieces, Gena Cook and Wanda Pitts; and former daughter-in-law, Britt Hoover; along with numerous cousins and aunts that she adored. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in this world by her sister, Sandra Pitts, niece, Cheryl (Flancher) Sartorelli and former husband, William Hoover. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. the St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Carol’s sons, Raymond and Douglas, are grateful for the wonderful care she received by the Iron River Care Center Staff. They also appreciated the care given to her by the caregivers at the Aspirus Iron River Hospital, Dr. Robert Han and a special acknowledgment goes to Doctors: Mr. and Mrs. Morel and their staff. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol A. Hoover, please visit our flower store.