Carla M. Wiedemann

Carla M. Wiedemann

Marion

Carla M. Wiedemann, 77, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, after a short stay and excellent care at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. “I try to stay positive, and I like people and praying,” she had shared as her brief introduction to her care team, a statement that will surprise no one who knew our kind, humble, and good-humored Carla.

Carla was born in Elgin, Ill.,, on Nov. 29, 1945, to Joseph and Margaret (Goggin) Wiedemann. She attended St. Joseph and St. Laurence grade schools in Elgin, graduated from St. Edward Central Catholic High School, and attended University of St. Francis in Joliet. Carla worked as a beautician in her hometown of Elgin and then in Chicago for 10 years, then switched to retail, working in a dress shop in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. After moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1973, Carla worked as a salesperson for Swiss Colony in Marion and Marshalltown, then in a bakery and shoe store when she moved back to Marion. Eventually, she was happy to retire and join a community of friends at Marion’s Hilltop Manor.

Carla was a woman of deep spiritual faith, a devoted Church member who volunteered teaching children’s Bible classes and aiding patients in hospice—a true “walk the walk” Christian. Many also sought out her clear-headed, caring advice and generous help, as evidenced by the countless cards found in her apartment from friends, family, and colleagues. She was a gifted, gentle soul who never had a mean word for anyone, whose bursts of mischievous laughter were contagious, and whose ear was always available to listen and empathize.

Carla is lovingly, joyfully remembered by her dear sisters and in-laws, Debbie (Bob) Reed and Sara Jo (Ted) Larkin; nephew Joey Reed; nieces Robin (Kevin) Wallace, Elissa Larkin, Serena Larkin and Celeste (Edin) Ramovic; and great-nieces and -nephews, Brighton and Robert Reed, Clara, Christian and Anna Wallace, and Shay Ramovic. Carla was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Howie Ruppel.

The funeral Mass will be held at her faith parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church (1790 14th Street, Marion) at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Memorial gifts are welcome to St. Joseph; to her care providers through the St. Luke’s Foundation; or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, to research cures for a disease that has affected her aunt, cousins, and their children.