Carol Jean Quirin-Holthaus, 88, of Belleville, IL, passed away on July 17, 2024 at Evelyn’s House, Creve Coeur, MO. She was born April 3, 1936, in East Saint Louis, IL.
She was a member of Anchor of Life Assembly of God Church, Belleville, IL. Carol was a true gem to her family. She always loved joking around, and having good, clean fun with those around her. She took pride and joy in loving the Lord and spreading His message far and wide. For many years, she selflessly dedicated her time to packaging meals for the hungry alongside her church members. She also had great love for her family, raising five children and playing a significant role in raising her stepson, as well. She had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren with whom she shared her kindness and devotion.
Carol was a beauty on the inside and out. She cared about fashion and loved getting her hair done. She even went so far as to create her own skin cream for younger looking skin. Carol was pretty as a picture, but also tough as nails. She was a dump truck driver and proud of it. Not only was she one of the first women drivers, she was great at her job. She wore the queen of the dump truck crown proudly. Some of her other favorite pastimes were cooking, baking, fashion, gardening, dancing, listening to country music, daily devotionals, spending time with family, and enjoying trips to Florida and Branson. Carol taught us life’s valuable lessons; to work hard, love fully, and to live with integrity. We shall always carry that wisdom with us in our hearts.
Surviving are her sons, Jim (Judy) Quirin, and Tom (Lisa) Quirin, daughter, Mary Kuehner, step-son, C.J. (Katrina) Holthaus; grandchildren, Jamie (Nick) Anastas, Belinda (Bill) Thompson, Caitlin Quirin, Carley (Matt) Waters, Christina (Matt) Friederich, Joe Schanz, Chelsea (Richard) Honkomp, Erica (Jeremy) Balsman, Harrison (Elizabeth) Dunn, Ben (Amanda) Hamilton, Serra Holthaus and Logan Holthaus; her great-grandchildren, Lula and Sevra Anastas, Seamus and Ellie Thompson, Logan Waters, Willow and Whitley Friederich, Gwen, Eden and Emmett Balsman, Ellie and Andrew Hamilton. She is also survived by other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Charles J. Holthaus, whom she married on March 7, 1981 and passed away on March 28, 2021; parents, Harvey J. and Alma M., nee Kuehner, Lemen; daughters, Joan Quirin-Hamilton and Jean Quirin-Frierdich; grandson, Eric Quirin; brother, Robert Lemen.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 3, 2024, 9:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M, at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt, IL. Funeral services will follow visitation at 11:00 A.M at the funeral home, with Pastor Wes Hart officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Evelyn’s House BJC Hospice, 1000 N. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 or The Millstadt Senior Center. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
