Carole Ann Stern

Carole Ann Stern lifelong resident of Annawan, Illinois, was called home on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Seward, Nebraska, at the age of 80. Born on April 15, 1945, in Kewanee, Illinois, to John and Gladys (York) Jones, Carole grew up surrounded by the warmth of family. She graduated from Kewanee High School in 1963, later marrying Jim Van Hyfte in 1964, and in 1984 she married her devoted partner, Bob Stern.

Carole’s greatest joy in life was her family. She poured her heart into making every holiday, birthday, and milestone unforgettable—her gatherings were always full of laughter, warmth, and her unmistakable touch of love. As a mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, she modeled the importance of cherishing time together. Her grandchildren, in particular, were her delight, and she reveled in creating magical moments for them.

Professionally, Carole found her calling at the Annawan-Alba Library, where she began working in 1981. For 35 years, she dedicated herself to inspiring a love of reading in countless children and adults alike. As Head Librarian, she became a cornerstone of the community, with her legendary Summer Reading Programs that generations of families still fondly recall. She retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, imagination, and kindness.

Beyond her work, Carole was a woman of many passions. She was an avid reader—especially of crime and mystery novels—and she shared this love with anyone who would listen. Animals also held a special place in her heart; her loyal dogs Tuffy and Fiona, her cat Baby, and the many strays and farm cats she cared for brought her joy. She and Bob also shared adventures through their crafting business, traveling to shows and meeting friends along the way. Carole loved camping, traveling, antiques, and dancing, but no matter where she went, she carried with her a deep love for her home and community.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys; siblings Don, Dorothy (Jodts), Bob, and Gene; her beloved husband Bob Stern; her son Mark; and her infant son Paul.

She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her daughter Heather (Jeff) Wellman of Waco, Nebraska; granddaughters Valerie VanHyfte of Kewanee, Illinois, and Lydia (Scott) Schoen of Princeton, Illinois; grandsons Andrew Wellman and Jack Wellman of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter-in-law Erica VanHyfte of Sheffield, Illinois; step-granddaughter Brittyn (Emilie) Klamen of Kankakee, Illinois and step-grandson, Xander Bremer, Sheffield, Illinois and great-grandson Lincoln Schoen of Princeton, Illinois. She is also survived by her Aunt Marilyn Verdick of Annawan, Illinois, her treasured friend Michele Thurston of Annawan, and her many beloved extended family members from the VanHyfte, Rosebeck, Noard, Rediger, Jones, Stern and Holloway families.

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