Carol Jean Proulx 09/09/2025

Carol Jean Proulx
April 3, 1949 – September 9, 2025

With hearts full of love and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Carol Jean Proulx, a devoted mother, proud grandmother, loyal sister, and cherished friend, on September 9, 2025. She was 76 years old.

Carol was born on April 3rd, 1949, in Stillwater, Minnesota, and spent much of her adult life in Clayton, Wisconsin, where she raised her two beloved sons, Chris and Ryan. In her later years, she made her home in New Richmond, Wisconsin, where she remained surrounded by love until her final days.

Carol’s heart was always with her family. She found immense joy in watching her grandchildren, Alexa and Ryker, grow and thrive. She supported them in everything they did and loved being their biggest cheerleader. Her sons, Chris and Ryan, were her pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to remind others of how proud she was to be their mom.

Her passions were many, and her spirit was full of life. She had a deep love for dirt track racing and NASCAR, and she could often be found at the race track, cheering on drivers, especially through her support of her son’s business, FYE Motorsports Promotions. Carol also had a lifelong love of the Minnesota Vikings, the color purple, and hummingbirds, each symbolizing her vibrant, loyal, and free-spirited nature. She also could be seen cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, and many dirt track favorites including Pat Doar, Jason VandeKamp, Scott Greer and others who she loved to watch race at her favorite track, the Cedar Lake Speedway, as well as at other area tracks.

Carol was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert Proulx Jr. and Marjorie Proulx, and her dear nephew, Jason Dueholm.

She is survived by her sons, Chris and Ryan (Bailey), her treasured grandchildren Alexa Stepan and Ryker Stepan, her siblings Linda Soifakis (George), Joe Proulx, Barb Dueholm (Rick), Bryon Proulx, and Ron Proulx, as well as her aunt Maxine Irons. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless other family members and friends who were blessed by her warmth and generosity.

Throughout her career, Carol brought dedication and kindness to every role she held, including her time at West Publishing, SSG Corporation, and Bernard’s Northtown. Even after retiring in 2015, she kept busy by working part-time at Champs Sports Bar & Grill and with her son’s FYE Motorsports company—never one to sit still when there were people to help or events to support.

Carol had a personality that never stopped giving. She would do anything for anyone, never hesitating to lend a hand, a kind word, or a warm hug. Whether at the racetrack or at home with her family, she made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, loyalty, and the roar of engines on a Saturday night. She will be missed more than words can express, but the memories she leaves behind will continue to brighten the lives of all who knew her.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in the Greaton Room at Champs Sports Bar and Grill at 220 South Knowles Ave. in New Richmond, Wisconsin from 11am-5pm on Sunday, October 19th, 2025. We encourage everyone who attends to wear a racing shirt, a Vikings or Packers shirt and come celebrate her while cheering on the Vikings and the Packers and sharing some great racing memories throughout the day.

Flowers or cards can be mailed to Champs re: Chris and Ryan Stepan or to Chris’s home address: 1235 128th Avenue in New Richmond, WI 54017.

In the meantime, her family encourages all who knew her to honor her memory by sharing a story, attending a race, wearing something purple, or simply doing something kind for someone else – just as Carol always would have.

Rest easy, Mom. We will love you always.