Carol A. Kearns, 81, peacefully departed this world on June 18, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, who find comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and at peace. Born and raised in Western Nebraska, Carol was a woman of remarkable strength and faith. She ran a very tight ship, was a master coordinator of her girls’ activities and was the best Uber driver long before its time. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she leaves behind a legacy of hard work and resilience.
Carol set the standard. Many referred to her as “Carol Clean” and this term of endearment was rightfully earned. Mandatory cleaning sessions were held every Saturday with her 4 daughters and she taught them how to pass the white glove test.
Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, where friends and family always found comfort and laughter. The house on Rolling Hills was a gathering place for neighborhood friends. She was a “second mom” (and later, “second grammy”) to many. She cherished her role as dance mom, basketball stat keeper and was a dedicated fan at each activity. A season ticket holder for Nebraska football and baseball, she could often be found at the ballfield or listening to the radio to cheer on her beloved Huskers.
Carol was known for her passion for crafts, namely her handmade cards, which brought great excitement at Christmas time and birthdays as each card was meticulously crafted and unique.
Throughout her years, she dedicated her life to one of service. Carol was the first PTO president at Ruth Hill Elementary school, Chairwoman for the Cathedral Art Show, a member of the Junior League, and an avid supporter of three Catholic Churches in Lincoln.
Carol is survived by her four loving daughters: Lisa & Dave Marks of Lincoln, LeAnn & Scott Hofeling of Lincoln, Lindsey & Carla Gregg-Kearns of Apex, NC, and Lenae & Nick Campney of Lincoln. Carol’s pride and joy are her eight grandchildren: Anthony, Austin, Hayley, Aden, Mia, Breccan, Sam, and Colette. Carol lived for the wedding of her oldest grandchild, Anthony to Cali on June 2nd. She is also survived by: her sisters Connie Hollstein, of Fort Worth, Texas and Kris House, of Rushville, Neb.; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard; parents Bill and Frances Hollstein; brothers Fred and Steve Hollstein; nieces and nephew: Andrea House, Sheila Mitchell and Bret Stroope.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 24 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 9101 S. 78th St, Lincoln at 10:30 a.m. The family received visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 with the Rosary to follow at St. Michael Catholic Church.
As a courtesy to the family we will be attempting to live stream the services at: https://www.facebook.com/BMLFuneralStreaming/ live it is not necessary to have a Facebook account to view the stream. With technology being unpredictable, we cannot guarantee the quality of the streaming. Also, if there is recorded music during the service, Facebook may mute the audio during those times. Thank you for your patience in advance, Butherus, Maser & Love.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Carol Kearns Outstanding Service Award, to extend gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Legacy for their exceptional care and support during Carol’s final days. Checks can be made payable to Kearns Family Memorial and mailed to First Nebraska Trust, PO Box 81667, Lincoln, NE 68501. Online condolences may be left at www.bmlfh. com “If we are all held in the palm of God’s hand, whether we are in Heaven or on earth, we cannot be far from one another.”