Carole Pouzar, 77, of near Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018, at the Finley Hospital, in Dubuque, IA.

She was born on July 2, 1941, in Cicero, IL, as the second daughter of George and Anne (Gorup) Zoubek, both deceased, and the sister of Georgene.

She raised her son, Tom, as a single working mother and rose to management in information technology at the University of Illinois, before retiring with her second husband, Richard, to their tree farm in Guilford Township.  She pursued organic gardening and organic living with a passion as a Master Gardener, making numerous presentations throughout Jo Daviess County.

During her life, she was an animal advocate, boxer, musician, and scuba diver, with a curiosity for science that she passed on to her son.  She was an incredibly talented and creative cook and passed her love of cooking down to her granddaughter.  In the words of her grandson, "She made the best breakfast and always was a fun person to be around.  She always knew how to put a smile on all of our faces with her crazy sense of humor."  Her daughter-in-law "was always amazed at her honesty, love of life and her ability to engage anyone and everyone in a conversation.  She acted as she wished."  Her generosity in providing time, information, and gifts to others was remarkable.

She is survived and will be sorely missed by her husband, Richard; her son, Tom (Linda) Cervenka; and her grandchildren, Caitlan Cervenka and Thomas R. Cervenka.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the family.

Donations in memory of Carole can be made to the animal shelter of your choice.

The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, of Scales Mound, is serving the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com