Carol Lynn Olinger, 75, of Clear Lake died peacefully Saturday March 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A celebration of life visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., with a remembrance service at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday March 30th, 2024, at the Clear Lake VFW, 219 Main Ave, Clear Lake, Iowa; with Mark Doebel leading the service. The family invites those to share in a luncheon following. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Carol was born November 23, 1948. The daughter of Shirley D. and Mildred E. Kiefer in Mason City. She graduated from Clear Lake High school in 1967. While attending high school she met the love of her life Ellery L. Olinger. They would marry on October 2, 1967. The couple Moved to Frankfurt Germany where Ellery was stationed in the military.
Carol worked on and off in her parent’s flower shop for many years while Ellery was building them a beautiful home. Carol worked at Unisys from 1980 – 1991, then went to work for Uni-select in Mason City starting as a parts picker then became known as “Catalog Carol” when she took that position. Carol worked there till 2015 Then retired.
Carol had so many special life-long friends, and they were family to her. Tuesday night bowling, Thursday volleyball. The Winter Dance Party was a yearly occasion where The Calendar Girls, loved to perform. So many family and friend vacations were taken, Las Vegas, Apple River, Lake Okoboji, and National Cattle Congress where she was able to enjoy the music and food that she loved.
Carol and Ellery Loved to get away for weekend trips and surprisingly a casino was always involved. They love the fall trips along the Mississippi river looking at the beautiful fall colors and the apple orchards. Her Children, Grandchildren, and great grandchildren will always remember the many trips to The Dells in the winter.
Carol is survived by her husband Ellery L. Olinger, children Buffy (Warren) Heyman, Matthew (Mary) Olinger; grandchildren Lauren (Ryan) Henderson, Hunter Olinger, Regatta (Brandon) Wade, Hailey (Savon) Pendergrass, Thorson (Kyra) Olinger; great-grandchildren Ryker, Rowen and Reno Henderson, Weston and Owen Olinger; siblings Kenneth (Terry) Kiefer and Camille (Jim) Patterson, along with several other relatives and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Cheryl Kiefer, mother-in-law Ruth Olinger, father- in- law Kenneth Olinger, and stepmother- in- law Janice Olinger.
The family would like to extend a grateful thank you to “My Happy Haven” for creating a comfortable space for Carol; they would also like to thank, St. Croix Hospice for the love and care they gave to Carol.
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