Olsen, Caroljean (Feiden)

Caroljean (Feiden) Olsen, 77, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, following a long illness. Memorial services will be Saturday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church. 

Survivors include sons, Steve Olsen (Jerri) of Cedar Rapids and Mark Olsen of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Kathy Thielen of Dubuque; grandchildren, Erin and Travis Olsen, Jensen and Martin Olsen, Rebekah, Sarah, Katelyn and Matthew Thielen; brother, Robert Feiden (Janet) of West Des Moines; sister, Nancy Newton (Wayne) of Blairstown; stepmother, Evelyn Feiden of Shellsburg; stepbrother, William T. Dodd of Vinton; brother-in-law, Robert Ballantyne of Charlotte, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews she cared dearly for.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and her parents.

Caroljean (Feiden) Olsen was born Jan. 15, 1933, in St. Joseph, Mo., the daughter of Martin E. and Hazel M. (Bennett) Feiden. She grew up in the Midwest, with most of her life spent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Franklin High School in January 1951. She attended one year at Carthage College. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority. On Feb. 8, 1953, she married Arne Jensen Olsen at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. The majority of her business career was spent in retail. For many years, Carol worked at Armstrong's Department Store. Thereafter, she owned and operated Carol's Bridal Showcase in Marion. 

Her family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She cherished the holidays and all functions where her family could gather together.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and knew her.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who cared for Carol during her illness. 

Memorial contribution may be directed to the family c/o Steve Olsen; the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at under obituaries.