Carol J. McKeown

Carol J. McKeown, 78, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at her family home surrounded by family. She was born June 18, 1948, in Janesville to Iola (Fossum)Mckeown and James L. McKeown.

She married Stanley L. Wygans II on April 8, 1977, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Janesville. Carol Attended St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School in Janesville, Beloit Catholic High School, Racine Dominicans (convent), The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, Rockford College, and eventually obtained her BSN from Mount Scenario in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She began her career as a nursing assistant at the Dawson Nursing Home. After obtaining her nursing degree, she worked at Beloit Memorial Hospital in Special Care and became a certified oncology nurse. After more than 20 years at Beloit, she moved into public service working at Rock Haven for over twenty years.

Carol was very proud of her familial Irish, Norwegian, and Canadian ancestry. Family and taking care of family and extended family was what Carol loved to do. She enjoyed time spent at ‘the cabin’ in the Northwoods near Rhinelander on Pelican Lake, and the new cabin on Fish Lake. She relished the family time every summer when relatives would come to the cabin and go out on the pontoon sharing colorful sunsets and enjoying family pranks. She treasured her trips to Saskatchewan and spending time with all of her Canadian aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As her health declined, the community of family became even more precious to her. She tremendously looked forward to sharing in family dinners. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, any reason to get together and celebrate eventually became every Monday night family dinners. Checking in and catching up with those closest to her in the house where she had lived the majority of her life.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Sanchez; the best son-in-law in the world, Ken Schlegel; grandchildren, Jessica Schlegel-Guernsey and Melissa Cates of Janesville, Davon Peacock of Beloit, Katie Joike of Bohner’s Lake, Nicco Schlegel of Beloit, Angelina Schlegel still at home, and several foster grandchildren. Carol was the oldest of five children including, Robert (Bob) McKeown of Huntington, Indiana, Richard (Dick) McKeown of Janesville, Christine McKeown of Afton, and Patrick McKeown of Peoria, Arizona. She is also survived by her in-laws, Maryann (David) Kavelage of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Philip (Carolyn) Wygans of Hampton, Virginia, Wendy (Robert) Sage of Janesville, Michael (Mary) Wygans of Janesville, and Katie Wygans of Newville; as well as many nieces and nephews. Her faith led her to become godmother to many children. She is also survived by a very cherished aunt, Florence Williams of Janesville; special cousin, Joy Betinis, of Loves Park, Illinois; and her most loyal, loving, dearest friend since childhood, Charlotte Schutte-Schwantes-Smith of Aleknagik, Alaska/Janesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother-in-law, Patrick Wygans (Wiggy).

Services will be held in the near future, when the clan returns from the Alaskan fishing season and Idaho elk hunt.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers over the years that made it possible for her to stay in her home and transition through her final promotion with dignity and grace; Charlotte, Karla (Klara), Lisa, Connie P., Connie G., SueAnn, Margaret, and Evy.

Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Nurses Association; PBS Wisconsin; or Trinity Episcopal Church, Janesville.

May you always have …
A sunbeam to warm you,
Good luck to charm you,
And a sheltering angel
So nothing can harm you,
Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you,
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.