Carol Helen Boylan

Carol H. Boylan, 91 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. A private family burial will be held at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Carol Helen Kemp, the daughter of Orren and Leona (Christopherson) Kemp, was born on May 20, 1935 on a farm south of Marcus. She attended country school and later graduated from Marcus High School in 1953.

Growing up, Carol lived on several acreages in rural Marcus with her parents and grandparents. Although she was an only child, she often said her childhood never felt lonely. Her best friend and cousin Bobby was always by her side. Together they spent countless days riding horses, swimming, and fishing in Mill Creek. Her grandfather gifted her many horses over the years, sparking a lifelong love for the majestic Clydesdale breed.

While working at the Club Debonair in Le Mars, she met her husband, Hugh Boylan. They were married on August 10, 1961, and moved into the home in Le Mars where they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Carol worked at the B&B Dime store in Le Mars with the Boylan family before joining her mother at the L&D Lounge. In 1973, Hugh and Carol purchased the L&D Lounge and operated until 1983. Carol truly loved her work. She created lifelong friendships and a 2nd family and community that brought her much joy. She was known as “Mom” to many Westmar students who found comfort and friendship with her. During her years at the L&D, Carol began her cherished collection of Budweiser Holiday Steins, receiving a new one each Christmas.

Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated in Carol’s family. She cherished time spent with her parents, children, cousins, and extended family, especially during summer trips to Okoboji or wherever the family van happened to be headed. Those days were filled with picnic lunches, laughter, and plenty of bullhead fishing.

Carol was an excellent bowler, following in the footsteps of her father at Sweet 16 Lanes in Le Mars. Her bowling team was a source of joy, camaraderie, and silliness.

She also spent several years catering for Bonnie and Tim Rasmussen of Timmy’s Catering in Le Mars. Her final employment before retirement was at Wells’ Blue Bunny, where she was fondly known as “Nanu” by friends and coworkers — a nickname that reflected her warmth and playful personality.

Carol also had a deep love for cardinals. Her home was decorated with countless cardinal figurines, pictures, and lights. She often sat on her deck and whistled their song, delighted when they whistled back.

Carol was a huge Buffalo Bills fan and enthusiastically supported the Iowa State Cyclones alongside her husband Hugh. During retirement, Carol and Hugh could often be found at their grandson’s baseball and football games, proudly wearing the red and black of the Bulldogs. They rarely missed a home game. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren, celebrating every play, every win, and every moment spent together.

Carol also devoted many hours to volunteering at the Plymouth County Historical Museum, where Hugh served as both a volunteer and a Board member for several years. She assisted with numerous events: from serving root beer floats, greeting visitors in the Welcome Room, to her favorite activities of organizing the garage sale setup and volunteering at the Country Store during the Plymouth County Fair.

She will be remembered and missed by her children: Christie (Tim) Graettinger of Cherokee Iowa, Wendy Boylan, Julie Arens and Scott (Mona) Boylan of Le Mars; 6 grandchildren: Tully Sanem, Josh (Rose Ann) Hofland of Sioux Falls, SD., Logan Boylan of Remsen, Alec Arens (Karissa) of Oyens, Dylan Boylan of Okoboji, and Carter Arens (Sophie) of Le Mars; she was blessed with 4 great grandchildren: Allie, Cody, Savannah and Bexlie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Hugh: her parents; her mother and father in law, Wendell and Lois Boylan; and her brother-in-law, Richard F Boylan.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks for the team from Hospice of the Midwest that cared for and made Mom’s final journey peaceful and comfortable.