January 1, 1950 – December 25, 2025
Carole Ann McLaughlin, 75, of Mason City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.
Honoring Carole’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, Iowa. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Mark Doebel officiating. A celebration of life and graveside service will be held this coming spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
Carole Ann Magner was born on January 1, 1950, at home during a blizzard. Carole was born the daughter of John (Judy) Magner and Betty Lou Brunstein Magner delivered by a neighbor who was a physician. She proudly held the distinction of being the first baby born in Mason City in 1950. She was raised in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School with the Class of 1968.
Carole met Glen McLaughlin in middle school, and their bond grew into a lifelong partnership. High school sweethearts, they were married on June 1, 1967, and were blessed with one son, Tra, who was the great love of her life. Her devotion only grew as her family expanded, and she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, taking quiet pride in each of them.
From an early age, Carole demonstrated determination and a strong work ethic. As a teenager, she sold popcorn in front of Kresge and worked at Phil’s Maid-Rite. After high school, she pursued interior design courses and later put those skills to use while working for several years at Mason City Furniture.
In 1975, Carole and Glen moved to Colorado for a year and a half before returning to Manly, choosing to be close to family and the place they always called home.
Carole began her career with Government Employees Credit Union in January of 1979, eventually rising to serve as CEO. In 1998, the organization became Cent Credit Union, where Carole continued her leadership for a total of 36 years before retiring in 2015. Upon retirement, she was gifted a John Deere riding lawn mower, something she treasured and carefully protected, which sparked her enjoyment of yard work and gardening in the years that followed.
She took great pride in caring for her yard and flowers, enjoyed watching wildlife from her backyard, and found comfort in the familiar rhythms of home—though raking leaves was never a favorite task.
Family was always at the center of Carole’s life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a steady presence whose kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering support left a lasting mark on those she loved.
Carole is survived by her partner of 58 years, Glen McLaughlin; her son, Tra McLaughlin; grandchildren, Sophia Ann-Louise McLaughlin and Angel Johnson; great-grandchildren, Weston and Amara Johnson; her sister, Glennda (Greg) Metzen; her brother, John Magner Jr.; her stepmother, Judy Magner; and her mother-in-law, Delores McLaughlin.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Magner; her mother, Betty Lou Brunstein; her sister Linda Gordon; her father-in-law, Laverne McLaughlin; her brother-in-law, Joe McLaughlin; and her sister-in-law, Susan Payne.
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