Colleen Carlson Obituary

Colleen Carlson passed away from natural causes on April 10. She was born April 11, 1928 in rural Monroe County, Iowa. At age 16, she graduated from Albia High School in 1944.

In 1948 she moved to Fort Dodge, IA, where she met and married the love of her life, Robert Dale Carlson. They wed on June 21, 1950. Together they raised 8 children. They began their life together in Des Moines, but moved frequently, first to Omaha NE, then on to Dallas TX, Kansas City MO, Lombard IL, back to Des Moines, then just outside of Redfield, IA where they built their dream home on a beautiful tree-filled acreage, “Cheektowaga.”

Well before her kids left the nest, she returned to working outside the home in the 1980s, when she worked for the Sealy Mattress company, then later as an assistant to a local attorney.

After the passing of her beloved husband Bob (“R.D.”) in 1991, her fierce independence led her to live on her own for over 30 years in Urbandale, IA.

In 1994 she started her own sewing business Dolly & Me that she ran on her own, with global commerce via the internet. She was still sewing dresses for her clients well into her eighties.

She had a passion for birdwatching - with a special fondness for owls - and loved reading, watching news programs and the Chicago Cubs. Her love and devotion for her family never wavered, and her many grandchildren brought her much joy. Her family has always remained close. To mark her upcoming 95th birthday last week, with all eight children home to celebrate, she stayed up until 2 am with everyone playing games, sharing drinks, laughter and love.

Colleen is survived by all eight of her children: Steve (Jenny), Sugar Land, TX; DeAnne, Des Moines; Jeanne, Des Moines; Susie (John), West Des Moines; Bob, Euless, TX; Mark (Victoria), West Des Moines, Peg (Tony) Nopoulos, North Liberty, IA; and Kevin (Lisa), Chagrin Falls, OH, plus 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future memorial in Colleen’s name.

Arrangements made by Iles Westover Chapel

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