Carol Ruth Mark 1923 - 2008

MARK, THORNTON, MELCHER, GIESE, SMITH

Posted By: deb (email)
Date: 1/23/2008 at 13:28:38

Burlington Hawkeye, January 23, 2008
Carol Mark
Carol Ruth Mark, 84, of Burlington, died at 1:39 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Great River Medical Center Klein Unit.

Born February 22, 1923 in Burlington she was the daughter of Chester and Mary Ruth Thornton Melcher. On May 2, 1942 she married Elmer Giese in Burlington. He preceded her in death on December 15, 1977. She later married Robert Mark on August 6, 1983. He also preceded her in death on February 3, 1992.

Mrs. Mark was a 1941 graduate of Burlington High School. For several years prior to her marriage she sang every Saturday on the radio. She first worked for Northwestern Bell as a switchboard operator. She was at work December 7, 1941 when all the lights on the switchboard lit up at once. Thinking it must have been a power surge; little did she know she would have her part in history on that fateful day. She was a link to parents and loved ones all over America trying to find out any news possible of their sons, husbands and fathers stationed at Pearl Harbor.

For the next ten years Carol worked at the Girl Scout office as secretary and retired from IRC/TRW after 30 years of service. She was vice president of the IRC/TRW Stock Market Club and until later years loved to follow the market. Carol was a lifetime member of SS John and Paul Catholic Church. She was an avid bridge player and famous cook, especially of home made candy. She and her husband Robert traveled extensively.

Survivors include one daughter, Joan (Gary) Smith of Burlington; two sons, James (Carmel) Giese of Huston, Texas and Jerry (Sandra) Giese of Burlington; seven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Her parents, husbands Elmer and Robert, and her beloved sister Shirley preceded her in death.

Friends may call from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today in Lunning Chapel.

The Mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Mark will be Thursday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The Rev. Patrick Hilgendorf will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for SS. John and Paul Catholic Church and Burlington Notre Dame Schools.