Carolyn Wilhelmina Allen, the daughter of Carl Albert and Ellen Swanson, was born February 2, 1923, in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away peacefully Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa, the age of 98 years, 5 months, and 30 days.

Carolyn was raised in rural Stanton and Red Oak. She graduated from Coburg High School in 1940 as salutatorian. She then attended and graduated from Chillicothe Business College, Chillicothe, Missouri. She was employed in Omaha and Red Oak before marrying Clinton Allen, on March 9, 1944. To this union, six children were born.

Carolyn was an active member at Fremont Lutheran Church, Nyman; and later, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Red Oak. She especially enjoyed teaching Adult Education classes through Southwestern Community College. Classes included sewing, consumer education, and family finances, with Carolyn developing new classes to meet the needs of students.

Carolyn was an active member of two quilting groups at Nyman and Red Oak. She worked diligently to provide comforting quilts for the homeless always qualifying fabric by asking, "Would I want this to brush my face?"

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Clint; infant granddaughter, Jill; and her sister, Elaine Forsyth of Indianapolis.

Carolyn is survived by her six children: Ronald Allen and wife Phyllis of Bethesda, IA; Richard Allen and wife Diane of Red Oak, IA; Robert Allen and wife Maurine of Red Oak, IA; Jane Magneson of West Des Moines, IA; Mark Allen and wife Barb of Stanton, IA; and Todd Allen and wife Amy of Red Oak, IA.

Carolyn is survived by 17 grandchildren: Dan Allen and wife Michelle, Jeff Allen, Doug Allen, Jackie DeVries and husband Ron, Hilary Allen, Sheila Williams and husband Aaron, Brandon Allen and wife Lisa, Garrett Allen and wife Rebecca, Wendy Gonzales and husband, Kenny, Greg Magneson, Brayton Allen and wife Lindsey, Bryce Allen and wife Kaitlin, Kara Allen and fiancé Dane Kennedy, Levi Allen and wife Belle, Andrea Dirks and husband J.C., Luke Allen, and Chad Allen.

Carolyn is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren: Joelle and Grace Allen; Chloe and Max DeVries; Cole and Brice Williams; Grant Allen; Tali and Darwin Allen; Dylan Anderson and Ryker Gonzales; Maven, Harper, and June Allen; Mairin Allen; Jack Allen; and Caleb and Eden Dirks. Survivors also include sister-in-law, Mary Donohue and husband, Wayne; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held
Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
At Fremont Lutheran Church at Nyman, IA
Burial will take place prior to the service at Mt Hope Cemetery

Visitation and Viewing will be held Friday evening August 6, 2021, at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to Christ's Pantry, Fremont Lutheran Church or Mt Hope Cemetery and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Carolyn's arrangements.