Carol Ann (Hjortshoj) Diekema, born February 14, 1940, passed away on March 8, 2022. Carol and Larry Diekema were married almost 63 years and passed away within weeks of each other. They had three children, who they loved unconditionally. She was a natural born leader, having grown up herding three younger brothers, who remained her best friends all her life. She was always on the go working every minute of every day: first on the farm, then as a mom to three kids, and then entering the world of public service. She was the first female elected to the city council in Monroe, Iowa. She then served as the first female Mayor for years. She ended her professional career tackling the business side as Monroe's first City Manager. She always believed in giving back and served on several boards, including Jasper County Economic Development Corporation, Jasper County Animal Rescue League, Clearview Recovery Center, Monroe Public Library, and the Iowa League of Cities. She also volunteered to feed the artists at the Sculpture Festival for several years in Newton, Iowa. She served as the Choir Director for the Monroe United Methodist Church for decades. Besides her kids, her other loves were her dogs, cats, alpacas, goats, and horses. Unofficially, she holds the record for the most pies contributed to the Old Settlers Kiwanis food stand and for taking in various stray animals to get vet services that she personally paid for. She was a known accomplished seamstress, having designed and constructed several wedding dresses for family members as well as countless SwingStepper uniforms and costumes for school and town productions. She was never able to get ahead of her weeding but was always happy to share her many perennials. She will be missed. Carol is survived by three children, Cary (Wendy) Diekema, Connie Diekema and Lance (Janna) Diekema; four grandchildren: Mia Diekema, Brennan (Alex) Eaton, Ross (Jacey) Winget, and Kelsey (Austin) Lazella; four great grandchildren: Jaxton Diekema, Aria Diekema, Hutxyn Lazella, and Gibson Lazella; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Paul and June Hjortshoj, Darrell and Karlin Hjortshoj and John and Sharon Hjortshoj. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Diekema, and her parents Gunnar and Nevva Hjortshoj. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin on Sunday at 11:00 am with lunch served until 12:45 pm at the church. The family requests no flowers. Memorials can be directed to Monroe United Methodist Church or Monroe Library. Carol's Memorial Service: https://vimeo.com/690300816

Visitation

Monroe United Methodist Church 407 N Monroe St Monroe, Iowa 50170 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM

Service

Monroe United Methodist Church 407 N Monroe St Monroe, Iowa 50170 1:00 PM