Carolyn Drexler

CAROLYN MARIE DREXLER

Hiawatha

Carolyn Marie Drexler, 76, of Marion, formerly of Hiawatha, passed away Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa due to complications of COPD. The family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion. A Celebration of Life service begins at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Prairieburg at a later date.

Survivors include her daughter, Shannon Drexler of Naperville, Ill.; grandchildren, Magee and Sam Campana of Naperville; stepchildren, Debby (Bob) Wernimont of Texas, Terry (Patti) Drexler of Cedar Rapids and Sonny Drexler of Colorado; many stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Jean Semelroth of Atkins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merle; her parents, Jessie and Elsie Pigman; son, Wayne Clark; two sisters, Dixie (David) Clay and Beverly (Joe) Reagan; and stepson, Jeff Jeffries.

Carolyn was born Jan. 6, 1940, to Jessie and Elsie (Rajonis) Pigman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She married Merle L. Drexler on July 13, 1972, in Cedar Rapids. Carolyn worked for R&H Silkscreen and Midland Forge in Cedar Rapids for many years, retiring in 2010. She was a member of Machinist Union Local No. 831 of Cedar Rapids.

Carolyn was an amazing mother and "Grammie." She was one of the strongest, most hard-working women most ever met. Carolyn was an avid bingo player who enjoyed trips to Meskwaki. She was a great story teller with a beautiful sense of wit. Carolyn was a dedicated friend to many (especially her Midland Forge family) and will be missed by all who knew her.

Please share a memory of Carolyn at www. murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.