Carol Jean Ann Begotka, 87, Green Bay, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026. She was born January 28, 1939, in Green Bay to Lawrence and Eunice (Panure) Marin.

Carol Jean graduated from Green Bay East High School with the class of 1957. She married Lynn Michael Begotka on April 27, 1963 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and celebrated their 62nd anniversary.

In Carol Jean's younger years, she worked various factory jobs including Green Bay Packaging where she met her husband.  While raising her children, she was a school bus driver for Lamers Bus Line where she retired after 28 years.  In Carol Jean's free time she enjoyed bowling, many arts and crafts projects, ceramics, plastic canvas and making Christmas stockings.  She was also an avid reader and enjoyed Soduko puzzles. Carol Jean enjoyed time with her family and friends that were spent playing cards and going to Let Me Be Frank shows.  Carol Jean made her home comfortable for her family and their friends.  She became an honorary second mother to James Ambrosius, Matt Vanderperen, Lara Fritts and Leanne Wolter.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lynn; children, Dawn Begotka (Scott Cornelius) and Michael Begotka; granddaughter, Annie; honorary grandchildren, Riley and Calvin; brothers-in-law, Gary Begotka, Lee (Carol) Begotka, and Bill Phillips; Godchild, Curt Ferrier; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Eunice; brother, Larry Marin; godson, Joe Cappelle and Dale Englebert; in-laws, Ervin and Frieda Begotka; sisters-in-law, Gail Phillips, Mary Wakeup and Elaine Marin; brother-in-law, Grant Begotka; niece, Suzanne Terrien; aunts and uncles.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, February 6; Service to follow at 5 p.m.. Burial will be at Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The family extends their gratitude to the compassionate staffs of Helping Hands Caregivers, Allouez Senior Living – Memory Care in building 2 and Compassus Hospice for all their care and guidance giving to Carol Jean during her Alzheimer's journey.