Risch, Carolyn Irene (Gillespie) 1939-2023

RISCH, GILLESPIE, WELLS, CASTLE, TISCHER, CARLS, ROZENDAAL, OSLUND

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/5/2023 at 13:52:33

Carolyn Irene (Gillespie) Risch
December 21, 1939 ~ January 1, 2023 (age 83)

Carolyn Irene Gillespie Wells Risch, 83, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 1st, 2023 at UnityPoint Hospital in Grinnell, IA surrounded by her children.

Carolyn was born December 21, 1939 in Newburg, IA to C. Ithel and Ruth Gillespie. Carolyn was the youngest of their four children. Carolyn was in the last graduating class of Newburg High School in 1958.

Carolyn married Richard A. Wells in 1959 and they had three children together. They later divorced. Carolyn married Donald Risch in 1978 and they were together until his passing in 2002.

Carolyn held many different positions over the course of her life, including home maker, antique dealer, salesperson, hearing aid technician and jewelry repair person. Carolyn enjoyed traveling, time with family and friends and gardening.

She is survived by her children: Richard R (Mary) of Oxford, IA, Cynthia (Mark) Castle of Farmington, MN and Brian (Amy) of Atkins, IA; grandchildren, Richard, Matthew, Jeremiah & Jonathon Wells, Jason and Joseph Tischer, Emily Fields, Kaitlyn & Nathan Wells, Amanda Castle and Kelly Carls, along with 13 great-grandchildren; her sister Marilyn Rozendaal of Des Moines, IA, who joined Caroline in Heaven on January 2, 2023, and Eleanor Oslund of Grinnell, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald, and brother, Howard Gillespie.

A graveside service will be held at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Newburg IA in the spring followed by a Celebration of Life.

The family would like to recognize the amazing care and compassion mom received in her final days and years at Windsor Manor and UnityPoint. To know our mother was loved and cared for by others is a blessing to her family. Also thank you to the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Irene (Gillespie) Risch, please visit our floral store.

Services
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Carolyn Irene (Gillespie) Risch
Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tribute Wall
Please share your remembrances and condolences
Photos Video Candle Sentiment
Plant a tree in memory of Carolyn
An environmentally-friendly option~ The Wallace Family Funeral Home, Newton, Iowa 01 Jan 2023.