Elaine Carl

Elaine Theresa Carl, age 89, of Yorkville Ill (previously Plainfield, Il and Darlington, WI) passed away March 30 2021. She was born May 7, 1931 at home in Cicero, Ill the daughter of Frank and Theresa (Huis) DeGroot immigrants from Holland.

Elaine was a proud graduate of Timothy Christian School. Her first job after graduation was secretary/bookkeeper for her father's self made trucking company DeGroot Motor Service Chicago Ill. Being the youngest of 5 and only daughter she was especially close to her dad.

On June 12, 1953 she married Cecil Lowell Carl of LaGrange, Ill They bought 5 acres on Route 83 in Hinsdale and built a new brick ranch house and a horse barn.  City girl had gone country!  They had their first daughter Linda Elaine during this time. Elaine acquired polio during her pregnancy, fortunately the Dr was able to cure her. 

Five years later they would buy a farm in Plainfield, Ill where she would learn about raising cattle, pigs and horses. At the new farm they were blessed with their second daughter Judy Ann 9 years after their first. Judy became severely ill at age 2 1/2.  Elaine (and Cecil) took Judy to 13 different Drs before getting a correct diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis which was a terminal disease that is inherited. Life was to change especially for Elaine giving Judy 3 treatments a day and putting Judy in a tent every night. Elaine spent endless/constant trips into Chicago Children's Hospital and worrying about her other daughter at home.

Elaine and Cecil subdivided the farm and bought another farm down the road where they built an indoor arena and boarded over 50 horses. Her husband Cecil was a salesman and manager for Morton Buildings of which they had started a branch office out of their home which included 3 work crews daily with no end of client phone calls  The farm was a small city every day affectionately earning the name Carl's Funny Farm. The coffee and snacks were always offered! Elaine always put everyone else ahead of herself to a fault.  Even taking in a homeless man and taking care of her niece and nephews when needed. People would say there will be a special place in heaven for you. 

After the passing of Judy at age 10 Elaine and Cecil moved to their other farms in Argyle,WI. Linda got married and the wonderful grandchildren arrived!!  Eric, Jason and Carl. To Elaine no one was more important or more fun than they were! She would ride hot wheels, play ball, and they took them camping in the 5th wheel.  The grandchildren grew up and had their own families!!! 

Elaine is survived by her daughter Linda Elaine Carl of Montgomery, Il Her beloved grandchildren  Eric Elzen (Emily Garritson) of Chicago, Jason Elzen (wife Katy their children Abigail Elaine and  Nicholas Joseph) of Naperville, Carl Elzen (wife Emily their daughter Avery Joy) of Palos Heights. 

She was preceded in death by her daughter Judy Ann Carl (March 9, 1973) and most recent her husband of 67 years Cecil Lowell Carl (October 27,2020) Her brothers: Maynard DeGroot, Clarence DeGroot, Leonard DeGroot, Frank DeGroot Jr.

Elaine was always the  fun one to have around with many stories and sayings! She loved people! I think the most accurate food funny was "Grandma loves butter!"