Carolyn Kay Goplen

Carolyn Kay Goplen, 84, of Winona, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Winona Health with her family by her side.

Carolyn was born September 3, 1941 in Forest City, IA to Carroll and Vera (Petcoff) Halvorsen. Carolyn grew up in Mason City, IA where she graduated from high school in 1959. After high school, she attended Mason City Junior College, graduating in 1961 and then attended Mankato State University where she graduated with an education degree in 1963. In 1989 she earned her Masters of Education from Winona State University. While attending MSU, she met the love of her life, Dennis Goplen and they were married at the Wayfarer’s Chapel in Portuguese Bend, CA on December 21, 1963. They remained married for over 50 years until Dennis’ passing on March 25, 2014.

Carolyn began her 36 year teaching career in Huntington Beach, CA in 1963. After the birth of their first daughter, Anita, in 1964, Carolyn and Dennis moved to Germany where they welcomed their second daughter, Barbara. After Dennis was discharged from the Army in 1966, they moved to Plainview, MN where Carolyn resumed teaching in the Plainview School District. In 1968, the family moved to Winona. In 1970, Carolyn and Dennis welcomed their son, John to the family. Carolyn began her 31-year career in Winona Public Schools as an elementary music teacher before returning to a grade level teacher, first at Ridgeway Elementary and then at Madison Elementary before retiring in 1999.

During her career she served as the faculty rep for the Winona Education Association and chaired a committee to adopt a basic reading series for language arts and received a Teacher of the Year nomination. In retirement, Carolyn was the 2016 recipient of the SEREAM Educator Award. In 2022, Winona County Historical Society honored Carolyn at its Heritage Dinner for her volunteer work.

Carolyn’s faith was very important to her. During her early years in Winona Carolyn was active in McKinley Methodist Church, where she directed the church choir for many years. After her family moved to the Pickwick area, she attended Pickwick Baptist Church where she and Dennis participated in a couples Bible Study. After retiring back to Winona, she became an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

After retiring, Carolyn and Dennis enjoyed participating in the local chapter of the Sons of Norway and their drives along the Mississippi to Red Wing. Additionally, Carolyn remained active socially in various ways, including a number of locally sponsored bus trips, participation in her church, Winona County Historical Society, retired educators, Book Chat, card clubs, and she never turned down an opportunity to go out to lunch with friends.

Most important to Carolyn was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She looked to their futures with optimism.

She is survived by her children, Anita (Roger) Smith, Barbara Becker and John Goplen; grandchildren, Lydia Smith, Thora Smith, Chelsea (Daryl) Taylor, Phillip Becker, Samatha Becker (Ethan Kruger) and Jacob Becker; great-grandchildren, Everlynn, Josephine, Jazlynn and one more on the way; a sister, Marilyn Stellavera; cousins; sisters/brothers-in-laws; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a son-in-law, Scott Becker.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., Wednesday (Jan 7) at Hoff Celebration of Life Center and one hour prior to the service at the church. She will be laid to rest at Lands Lutheran Cemetery in Zumbrota, MN.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Winona Area Public Schools Foundation or the Winona County Historical Society.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.