Jean Helen (Winnemuller) Carroll

Jean Helen (Winnemuller) Carroll passed away peacefully in her sleep on Jan. 6, 2025, in a Salem, Ore., Hospital, three weeks short of her 72nd birthday. She was surrounded by her loving family. She succumbed to complications from lung cancer, which she developed despite being a nonsmoker.

Jean was born in Port Washington, Wis., the fourth of nine children born to Francis and Bernice (Bossler) Winnemuller.

She was a 1971 Port High graduate and attended Moraine Park Technical Institute in Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1975, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Carroll of Hartford. They married in 1977 and later moved to Portland, Ore. Jean and Bob were blessed with two children — McKenzie and Ryan.

Jean proudly worked as a registered nurse for nearly 35 years for Providence Hospital until her retirement in 2018. She proudly received the Spirit of Emilee Mission Inspiration Award, voted on by fellow employees.

In retirement, Jean loved spending time with friends and family, especially her three grandchildren, baking bread, walking to the park or doing art projects.

Jean was loved by everyone. To know her was to love her. As her husband said, “Jean gave so much and asked for so little. She was always thoughtful, kind and caring, quick with her humor and had an infectious laugh. She had the biggest heart. We will always remember the light and love that surrounded her, her warm and genuine smile and will try to emulate the dignity and grace she exuded.”

Jean is survived by her husband Bob of Monmouth, Ore.; her daughter McKenzie (Nate) Combs of Salem; son Ryan (Brandon Chelotti) of San Bruno, Calif.; and grandchildren Ellie, Jack and Oliver Combs.

She is also survived by her four brothers, Paul, John (Cindy), David (Myra) and Jim and four sisters, Rose (Tom) Carney, Mary (Jim) Karrels, Lois (Dave) Hartwig and Lori (Glen Newman) Winnemuller.

Jean was preceded in death by both parents, three nephews and a sister in law.

Jean’s service will be held on Jan. 18, 2025, at Virgil T Golden Funeral Home in Salem, Ore.

There will be a memorial celebration for family and friends in Port Washington on Saturday, May 24, 2025. A tree dedication will take place in Upper Lake Park (south) at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life in Veterans Park east of bandshell. All are welcome.