May 19, 1955 – August 26, 2025
Carla Gayle Stevenson, age 70, passed away peacefully under the care of Hospice and surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
A gathering to celebrate Carla’s life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Schott Funeral Home, 505 North Clark St., Forest City. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date in Forest City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Carla Stevenson Memorial Fund in care of the family.
Carla was born May 19, 1955, in Sioux Center, Iowa, the daughter of Cornie and Grayce (Zwaan) Kooiman. She grew up in Forest City and graduated from Forest City High School in 1973. Later in life, she pursued her education at Hamilton College, earning two degrees, one in accounting and another in computer information systems and web design. Over the years, she worked at Fleetguard, Winnebago Industries, Krysilis, and most recently, Duncan Heights, where she made many lifelong friends.
Carla loved to travel, and her journeys took her to Jamaica, Cancun, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and many states across the U.S. She also treasured trips to Rock Valley, Iowa, to visit family and friends, keeping her connections there close to her heart. Whether it was a family trip, a getaway with friends, or something as simple as “uptown Pokémon hunting” with Tina, she cherished every adventure. One story she loved to retell was from a trip to Cedar Rapids to visit Audrey and Cara, when her young son Jeff innocently asked, “Mom, when are we gonna see the rabbits?”—a memory that continued to bring laughter for years.
Her love for animals was a constant throughout her life. From her beloved Lab, Coco, and her horse, Goldy, to her most recent companions, Bruiser and Casper—fondly known as “the boys”—her pets brought her endless joy. Even her guinea pigs kept her entertained.
Above all, Carla’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making sure there were special snacks and a toy chest full of goodies waiting for them. Her love for her siblings was equally strong, and she often shared stories about how they cared for each other through the years. Holiday gatherings, complete with traditions (even turkey she didn’t like) and her flair for dressing up with jewelry, will be fondly remembered.
Carla also valued her friendships and enjoyed countless hours reminiscing and laughing with those close to her. In her quieter moments, she could be found watching Hallmark movies, sipping a Diet Pepsi, and enjoying a cigarette with her dogs by her side.
To know Carla was to love her. Her kindness, humor, and deep devotion to the people and animals she loved will be carried forward in the hearts of all who knew her.
Carla is survived by her children: Tina (Daimon) Perry of Leland; Michelle (John) Fraser of Forest City; Cory (Jackie) Stevenson of Forest City; Jeffery (Kenzie) Stevenson of Thompson; and Autumn, Katy, and Spencer Lauritsen.
Grandchildren: Khristian (Caitlynn), Joseph, and Megan Cronkwright; Calvin Ohrt; Christian and Courtney Perry; Jacob and Casey Fraser; Nevaeh, Chase, Coby, and Randi Stevenson; James Gomez; and Dakota and Jude Lauritsen.
Great-grandchildren: Karson and Kendyll Cronkwright.
Siblings: Ron Kooiman of Forest City; Darcy (Monty) Schlawin of Garner; and Audrey Kooiman of Forest City.
Nieces: Cara Fosselman (Ari & Morgan), and Shannon Thill (Shelby).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grayce and Cornie Kooiman; her brother, Daniel Kooiman; her son, Spencer Lauritsen; her former spouse, Brice Stevenson; and her beloved dog, Coco.
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