Jean Julia Carlson

Jean Julia Carlson, 87, of Wausau, joined her husband of 58 years, Thomas in Heaven.  Jean passed away at Wausau Aspirus Hospital on February 5, 2023, with the support of her loving family.

Jean was born March 8, 1935, in Schofield, Wisconsin to George and Rose (Corazalla) Babl.  She graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1953. She attended the University of Milwaukee, where she pledged to the Omega Mu Chi Sorority, later transferring to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. There she obtained her teaching certificate and her Master Degree.  She went on to work in the Wausau School District, teaching at GD Jones and Lincoln Elementary Schools as a remedial reading specialist, helping students reach their reading potential.  She was a teacher for over 30 years, eventually retiring from the profession.

Jean, passionate about reading, attended several book clubs in the community and supported the Marathon County Public Library. She was involved in the Wausau Women’s Club and YMCA for many years. Devoted to Tom and her family, many weekends were spent camping and later on their boat, “Pisces” traveling throughout Wisconsin’s state parks and waterways. Her biggest adventures took place cruising Lake Minocqua, Green Bay, and many of the Great Lakes with family and friends.  A favorite location was Mackinaw Island where Tom & Jean loved to spend their later anniversaries, including their 50^th.  After many years Jean & Tom retired and built their dream home on Lake Wausau, but continued their love of the water with family and friends on their pontoon boat. 

Jean is survived by her two children, Scott (Wendy) Carlson, Amherst, WI and Linda Garbacz, Wausau. Her eight grandchildren, Lindsay Stromberg (Benjamin); Logan Carlson; Lauren Trinh; Stephanie Robinson (Ty); Leslie Chandler (Drew); all of Wausau, and Trevor Carlson of Stevens Point, Samantha Carlson; Matthew Carlson of Amherst, and four great grandchildren; Anthony Garbacz; Johnny Trinh; Maree and Merritt Robinson. She is also survived by brothers Ronald Babl (Marta); Allen Babl (Celeste); her sister, Christine Gilbreath, and sister-in-law Sandy Babl. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Kenneth and Daniel “Tito” Babl.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 621 N. 2^nd. Street, Wausau, WI 54403.  Visitation will be held at 9:00 am.  Mass will follow at 10:30 with a luncheon at noon, and internment at Restlawn Memorial Park at 12:45 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Boys & Girls Club at https://www.bgclub.com/invest-in-great-futures or the Marathon County Public Library at https://mcpl.us/about/donate/ .