Carol A. Hillyer, PhD

Carol Ann Lynch Hillyer, 86 years of age, passed away on January 12, 2023, after a short stay at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI. Carol was born in Chicago, IL on June 22, 1936, the first child of Ilif and James Lynch. While growing up she lived in Chicago IL, central Illinois, and Minneapolis, MN. In 1958 Carol received a B.A. degree in psychology from Carthage College when it was located in Carthage Illinois. After graduating she worked as a case worker for the Chicago, Cook County IL. Department of Public Assistance. In 1959, Carol and Guy Eugene (Bud) Hillyer married in Park Ridge IL. They moved to Minocqua, WI in 1960, where their four children, Kevin, Kerry, Lisa, and Lee where born. From 1966-1970 Carol was employed as a social worker with Project Head Start, for the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Inc. as well as with Project Follow Through at Lac du Flambeau Public School District #1. Carol was an avid advocate for families of Native American communities. Driven to improve the services available Carol pursued advanced degrees at the University of Arizona in Tucson, earning a Masters in Educational Psychology and in 1977 completing a Ph.D in School Psychology and Special Education. Jerry Maulson of Lac du Flambeau, shared Carols goals and joined her at the University of Arizona to advance his education, bringing his 4 children, Todd, Gary, Mary Ann, and Lisa. While at the University of Arizona, she was employed by the University of Arizona, helping coordinate educational programs for young children (Title One programs). In 1977 she returned to Minocqua WI, where she was employed by CESA (Cooperative Education Services Agency) for 12 years. Subsequently, Carol was employed by the Lac du Flambeau School District as Educational Psychology Director of Special Education; she later held the same positions in the Mercer School District. She was a gifted listener to the families with whom she worked making them feel at ease in all circumstances. Carol was preceded in death by 2 children, Lee James Hillyer and Kerry Lynn Hillyer. Surviving her are children Kevin Matthew Hillyer and Lisa Marie Hillyer Callos (both of Minocqua Wisconsin); a granddaughter, Jamie Lee Hillyer (who resides in Lyngdal Norway); step-granddaughter Amanda Pott of Covington, KY; and son-in-law George Callos Jr.. Her sister lives in Carlsbad, California, where Carol’s niece and nephew also live. Carol’s husband of 42 years, Jonathan J. Berg, continues to live in Minocqua. Carol had a lifelong passion for reading. She appreciated and collected agates, crystals, rocks that just caught her eye, gem stones, books, art, and jewelry. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and the belief in synchronicity strongly influenced Carol. Synchronistic events affected her daily life in many meaningful ways. Her strong spiritual strength was guided by the spirit of the wolf. Services for Carol Hillyer will be in the Spring; the date is not yet determined. The Family appreciates your thoughts and kind words but requests that no flowers or gifts be sent.

Carol A. Hillyer, PhD

June 22, 1936 - January 12, 2023