Carolyn Jean Backes, 69, of Macon, MO, formerly of Dubuque, died peacefully Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home with her family by her side.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carolyn will be 10:30 am Friday, February 6, 2026, at Church of the Resurrection with Father David Ambrosy as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Carolyn was born November 26, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Alfred John and Loretta Jeanette Stecher Behnke. On May 21, 1977, she married Jerry Raymond Backes in Dubuque.

She was a 1975 graduate of Hempstead High School.

She worked as a Controller for auto dealerships, including over 30+ years at Riley Auto in Dubuque.

She was devoted to her family and most of all, to her children and grandchildren, finding great joy in making memories and bringing happiness to their lives. She treasured time fishing with her husband and had a generous heart, always enjoying doing things for others. Each holiday, she gathered her many nieces and nephews for crafts, creating cherished traditions. A woman of faith, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Altar Society in Macon.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry; two sons, Jeremy (Kristina) Backes of Marion, and Jon (Shandalle) Backes of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren Elayna, Blakely, Lilah, Ryker, and Richard; her mother, Loretta of Durango; 11 siblings, Marilyn (Dan) Kammiller of Durango, Robert (LeeAnn) Behnke of Dubuque, Thomas (Brenda Ries) Behnke of Durango, Mark (Bev) Behnke of Sherrill, Rosann (Vern) Welter of Sherrill, Jean (Keith) Oberfoell of Dubuque, Kathy (Jeff) Schmitt of Sherrill, Karen (John) Schmitt of Sherrill, Ken (Cindy) Behnke of Durango, James (Barb) Behnke of Holy Cross, and Jerry (Margie) Behnke of Epworth; her father- and mother-in-law, Ray and Elaine Backes of Dubuque; her brother- and sister-in-laws, Randy (Donna) Backes, Bob (Toni) Backes, and Lisa Fails; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and one grandson, George.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Carolyn’s husband and sons extend their sincere thanks to Compassus Hospice, especially nurse Brie, and to her mother, siblings, and all family members for their loving presence and support.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Carolyn’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.