Carolyn Havenstrite, 77, of West Union, Iowa passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Carolyn Jean, the daughter of Clair and Evelyn (Paulson) Anderson, was born June 22, 1939 on a farm northeast of West Union. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. She graduated from North High School in 1957. Carolyn was united in marriage with Wayne Havenstrite on October 18, 1957 at the Wesleyan Church in West Union. To this union four children, Nancy, Jeff, Teresa, and Tim, were born.
Carolyn had numerous jobs around West Union. She worked as a telephone operator and was a line supervisor at Tony’s Foods. She then purchased and operated a Sears-Roebuck Catalog Store and a Radio Shack/U.S. Cellular Store in West Union. She worked as a secretary for J & W Autobody and then worked at the deli for Quillin’s Grocery. She was also a Mary Kay Consultant.
She was a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church and WELCA, the West Union Chamber of Commerce and West Union Main Street Board, the Kaleidoscope Kids Board, the Palmer Hospital Auxiliary Board, and she was a member of the Rotary and Civic Clubs. Carolyn also served with the West Union Ambulance Crew for over thirty years. She was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 1987 and she received a Governor’s Award for her work with the West Union Main Street Board. Carolyn had a passion for her family and for helping the community of West Union. She enjoyed bringing joy to those around her and truly cared about all. Carolyn enjoyed reading, gardening, and watching her grandchildren’s activities.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Wayne, of West Union, Iowa; four children, Nancy (Tom) King of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Jeff (Janie) Havenstrite of Springville, Iowa; Teresa Hougen of Chicago, Illinois; and Tim (Michelle) Havenstrite of Nashua, Iowa; eleven grandchildren, Heather, Anthony, and Nick King; Marissa Havenstrite, and Bryant (Sabrena) Havenstrite; Kalista (Dustin) Moneypenny and Aleshia (Joe) Semler; Shane and Matt Havenstrite; and Lindsey and Zach Arneson; ten great grandchildren; five siblings, Elvin (Irene) Anderson of Castalia, Iowa; Kerwin (Marlys) Anderson of West Union, Iowa; Harlan (Margaret) Anderson of West Union, Iowa; Colleen Stohr of Oelwein, Iowa and Irene (Gus) Gusta of Waterloo; and one sister-in-law, Betty Hofer of Wadena, Iowa.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Vernon, Burt, and Steven Anderson; three brothers-in-law, Donnie and Roger Havenstrite, and Sam Hofer; a sister-in-law, Sandra Anderson; two nieces; and two nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with the arrangements.