Ann Carson

Ann Carson

Cedar Rapids

Ann Carson, who showered love on her family and friends, died Saturday, June 18, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 73. Funeral Service:

10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at. St. Patrick Catholic Church. Friends may visit with the family from 5 to

8 p.m. Friday, July 8, at Teahen Funeral Home. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Ann cherished her Iowa roots and her family’s long history in Cedar Rapids. She was born on April 4, 1949, to Gene “Pidge” Carson and Jane Huston Carson. She grew up “on the hill” on C Avenue. She was one of five children. The Carson home was a busy and beloved gathering place for aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ann nurtured family ties and friendships throughout her lifetime. Her personal warmth drew people to her. Through visits, phone calls and Facebook, Ann stayed in touch with nieces, nephews and multiple generations of cousins. She always ensured that each person felt loved. Her legacy: an extended family that remains remarkably close despite geography and the passage of time.

Ann attended St Patrick’s grade school and LaSalle High School. She graduated with a two-year degree from Ottumwa Heights College. It was there that she met Liz Holz and Cindy Serkies, forging lifelong friendship with them.

Ann’s life journey took her to Seattle, Wash., for a time. Though she loved Puget Sound and hiking in the Pacific Northwest, family ties drew her back to Cedar Rapids. Her hometown is where she met the love of her life: Larry Zirbel, a well-known local artist and businessman.

Ann and Larry married on April 8, 1994. The couple enjoyed decorating their home with Larry’s art and the antiques they found together. Their homes in Swisher and Cedar Rapids were elegant but filled with warmth. Ann continued the Carson tradition of making her home a gathering place for family and friends.

Ann’s eye for detail and her organizational skills also served her well during her long career in the Iowa judicial system. She served as the District Court Scheduler for about 20 years, retiring in 2002. She enjoyed working with judges and attorneys.

Ann’s favorite vacation was sitting on the beach, watching the surf. She enjoyed hiking in Colorado Rockies with Larry and his brother.

Ann had to have had a big heart, because she had special places in it for so many people. One was her aunt, Pauline Miller, whose 100th birthday party Ann attended in May.

Larry’s sons Jeff and Steve Zirbel enjoyed her hospitality and regular visits. Jeff’s son Griffin, and Steve and Patty’s son Will, enjoyed a doting grandmother.

Ann also maintained lifelong friendships with a group of high school friends. Her family is grateful for the support they offered during her last illness.

Ann’s nieces and nephews adored her, as did her many cousins. She adored them, too. Ann instantly bonded with her youngest relatives. She was the fun adult that little kids instinctively gravitate to. Told that late in life, Ann laughed and said, “That was because I got down and played with you,” which was true but only part of her personal magic.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry; and her sister, Susan Carson Bach.

She is survived by a brother and two sisters, John (Hila) Carson, Judy (Dick) Ruemmele and Carey (Bob) Kucera; and her surviving nieces and nephews are Emily Carson, Molly Carson and Megan (Will) Graeber; Christine (Doug) Waldbeiser and Catherine (Dustin) Nester; Julia (Mark) Emmler, Mike Ruemmele and Paul (Erin) Ruemmele.

Ann will be missed but her family is grateful for the love and laughter we shared with her.

Memorial donations may be directed to Mercy Hospital and St Patrick Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.