Carolyn Ringelestein
Carolyn Ringelestein
Carolyn Ringelestein
May 7, 1923 – September 24, 2020
Oskaloosa (Fremont), Iowa | Age 97
Carolyn Ringelestein, age 97, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Fremont, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was born May 7, 1923, in Mahaska County, Iowa, the daughter of John William and Nancy Pippel Groenenboom.
Carolyn graduated from Oskaloosa High School and went on to complete Murphy’s School of Business.
On November 25, 1942, she was united in marriage to Arie Ringelestein at Lancaster, Missouri.
Following their marriage Carolyn stayed home to care for her family, home, and farm. Carolyn also cared for her bedridden parents, her mother for 9 years and her father for 4 years. In 1958, the family joined the Cedar Christian Reformed Church in Cedar and Carolyn remained a faithful member until her passing. In addition to keeping her home in order, she gave selflessly of her time to many organizations in Fremont, Cedar, and Oskaloosa, including: Oskaloosa Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary, C.C.C. Club of Fremont, King’s Daughters, Hospice of Mahaska County where she served as a bereavement volunteer, and Gideon’s Auxiliary.
On March 13, 2015, her husband Arie died. Carolyn stayed in their home until her health forced her to move to a care facility in 2019. Carolyn’s hands were always busy, she loved to paint ceramics especially eagles, crochet, cross stitch, and embroidery. At the age of 95, she crocheted doilies for all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Over the years her family received many afghans and doilies that she made. At the age of 72, she decided it was time to learn to play the piano, so she signed up to take piano lessons. She loved to stay busy, even in the care facility she solved countless word searches and always looked forward to BINGO. Nothing made her smile more though than visits from family and friends.
Her family includes her four children: John (& Judy) Ringelestein of Ames, Nancy (& Lee) Veldhuizen of Pella, Keith Ringelestein of Fremont, and Carroll (& Marlene) Ringelestein of Mt. Zion, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Don (& Lisa) Ringelestein, Lisa (& John) Cardinell, Dan (& Anita) Veldhuizen, Lori (& Brad) Van Kooten, Amy (& Russ) Van Wyk, Paul (& Jessica) Ringelestein, Katie (& Randy) Rambhajan, and Joseph (& Lacey) Ringelestein; twelve great grandchildren: Anne and Johnny Ringelestein, Jessica (& Darin) Blocker, Janelle and Alexa Veldhuizen, Kyle (& Abigail) Van Kooten, Marissa (& Colton) Jordening, Jacob Van Kooten, Meredith Van Wyk, and Kendall, Dean, and Archie Ringelestein.
In addition to her husband Arie, Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; a great grandchild, Angel Rambhajan; and a brother, William Groenenboom.
Funeral services and burial will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm in the Cedar Christian Reformed Church in Cedar with Reverend John Ritsema officiating. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event.
Carolyn’s family requests everyone attending please wear a mask.
The funeral service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance.
Visitation will begin Monday, September 28, 2020 after 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International or MHP Hospice Serenity House.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Carolyn Ringelestein please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
