Carol Jean Nielson

Visitation

Friday, April 17, 2009, After 4:00 PM Ohde Funeral Home Coon Rapids, Iowa

Funeral Service

Saturday, April 18, 2009, 10:30 AM

Ascension Lutheran Church

Coon Rapids, Iowa

Officiating

Pastor Stephanie Simmons

Music

 The Old Rugged Cross?

 Amazing Grace?

 Carolyn Miller, Vocalist

Carolyn Flook, Accompanist

Honorary Casket Bearers

Amy Mendenhall     Erin Plagge     Stacey Auxier   Jill Namanny     Kelli Akers  Katie Nielson     Jessica Nielson

Casket Bearers

John Namanny     Jay Drake     Brian Slater    Eric Auxier     Eric Emery     Brian Plagge     Dan Akers

Jeff Mendenhall     Michael Hofbauer     Jacob Nielson

Interment

Orange Township Cemetery

South of Coon Rapids, Iowa

   Carol Jean, daughter of Valley and Selma (Jacobsen) Smith, was born July 16, 1929 at home in Coon Rapids, Iowa. She attended schools in Coon Rapids.  As a young girl Carol Jean worked with her dad delivering railroad freight and collecting freight bills at various businesses in town. As a teenager she worked as a waitress at Southside Caf and later the Northside Caf.

   On March 18, 1948, Carol Jean was united in marriage with Floyd Sam? Nielson at Council Bluffs. Four children were born to this union and the family made their home in Coon Rapids. Carol Jean worked with her husband in the family trucking business and sorted corn for Garst and Thomas Seed Corn Company during the fall. When her youngest child started school, Carol Jean began working at the Garst Store. After 36 years at the Garst Store she retired.

   Carol Jean was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids. She enjoyed watching her son John race his modified race car and later her grandchildren when they participated in Figure 8 Racing. Over the years, one of her greatest pleasures was watching the activities of all her grandchildren. She spent many wonderful hours with her lifetime neighbor and friend Neva Clark.

   On February 16, 1986, Carol Jeans husband Sam died unexpectedly. She remained in their home until her health would no longer permit her to live alone. She became a resident of Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids in late November of 2007. She died there on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 30 days.

   Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; grandson Matthew Nielson; three brothers: Jerry Smith, Wayne Smith and Eddie Smith; and sister Nadine Smith.

   Left to cherish the memory of Carol Jean are her four children: Sandra and husband Denny Slater of Denison; Barbara and husband Larry Emery of Coon Rapids; Sue and husband Marshall Swink of Maryville, MO; and John Nielson and wife Julie of Coon Rapids; 12 grandchildren: Amy Mendenhall (Jeff), Brian Slater (Kim), Erin Plagge (Brian), Stacey Auxier (Eric), Eric Emery (Cheri), Jay Drake (Michelle), Jill Namanny (John), Kelli Akers (Dan), Michael Hofbauer (Angela), Katie Nielson, Jessica Nielson and Jacob Nielson; 2 step-grandchildren Steve Swink (Selena)  and Jeff Swink (Tricia); 16 great-grandchildren: Emma and Chloe Mendenhall; Hannah and Mayah Slater; Garret and Gracen Plagge; Ben and Abby Auxier; Hunter and Easton Emery; Austin and Connor Drake; Logan and Lane Namanny; Dylan and Kayden Hofbauer; 3 step-great-grandchildren: Spencer Swink and Cole and Calli Swink; brother Marvin Smith and wife Louise of Haines, AK; other relatives and many friends.