Carol Ferguson passed away in the arms of her family on July 10, 2024, at her home after a fierce battle with breast cancer.  She was born February 5, 1942, in Oshkosh, WI to Edward Grote and Catherine Pasker Grote.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 16, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa St, Dubuque, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Carol spent her childhood in Monticello, IA.  She received her Diploma R.N. at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, IA in 1964, where she worked as a Surgical nurse and met her husband.

On May 6, 1966, she married Richard Noren Ferguson M.D. of Carbondale, CO.  They moved to Karlsruhe, Germany where he served as a Major in the U.S. Army for three years.  They returned to the States in 1969 for the completion of his Ophthalmology residency at the University of MN, and to start their family.

In 1971, Carol and Dick moved to Casper, WY where Carol was both a homemaker and assisted with her husband’s Ophthalmology practice.   Dick passed away in 1990 and Carol resumed her nursing career as a full-time rehabilitation nurse.

Her nursing career brought her to Joplin, MO until she moved back to Dubuque, IA in 1994 to be near her family.  During this time she also lost her son, Dan Ferguson.  After her retirement Carol moved to Otsego, MN to enjoy the company of her daughter Nicole and family.

Carol participated in auxiliaries and organizations in Casper, WY including Evansville Elementary PTA President, volunteer school nurse and librarian, and home room mother. Her giving nature continued in Dubuque, IA where she was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter IK, and the Mercy Service Club/Gift Shop. She was a perpetual volunteer and constant advocate for her children, her grandchildren, and her beliefs. 

Survivors include her daughter, Nicole Ferguson-Kohout (Dan), grandchildren Anna Grace, Abigail Carolyn, and Mark Daniel Kohout, all of Elk River, MN; three sisters: Mimi (Ev) Buckhardt of Cedar Rapids, IA, Connie (Steve) Hardie of Dubuque, IA and Pam Wallace of Lewisburg, PA; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Noren Ferguson M.D.; son, Daniel Patrick Ferguson; parents Edward Grote & Catherine (Pasker) Grote; and brother-in-law Steve Wallace.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a beloved Nana.  She was the constant and inspiring breath that provided the wind beneath the wings to launch the dreams of many souls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a memorial to Cottey College, in Nevada, MO.