Services
Obituary
Carole Martin, 86, of Clarion, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Rotary Senior Living .
Memorial Services for Carole Martin will be held at 11:30 on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, Clarion, Iowa, 50525.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.
Carole Irene (Robinson) Martin, 86, formerly of Clarion, Clive, and Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Carole was born October 14, 1939, in Clarion, Iowa, the first child of Marion and Betty (Brooks) Robinson. She later became a proud big sister to Elizabeth, Edgar, and Mary Jane. She attended country school until 6th grade, when she rode the bus to Clarion. During high school she was a cheerleader. She graduated from Clarion High School in 1957 and went on to attend the Iowa School Teacher's College (currently University of Northern Iowa), where she studied Elementary and Home Economics Education.
Carole began her teaching career in Pella, Iowa, where she taught High School Home Economics. During that time, she formed a lifelong friendship with the Jaarsma family, who owned the local bakery known for its famous Dutch letters. She returned to Clarion, where she married Gary F. Martin on June 30, 1962. Carole taught 3rd grade in Clarion for three years before welcoming their son, Steven. Two and a half years later, they welcomed their daughter, Chantelle. They raised their family on their farm outside of Clarion, where Carole helped Gary with farming for many years.
Carole also carried forward her family's entrepreneurial spirit. Her father invented and patented a watering float valve device for livestock, establishing the business Flo Gard in Holmes, Iowa. When her parents retired to Florida, Carole and Gary purchased the business. Following their divorce, Carole continued operating the business, serving as its President.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, she also pursued her lifelong passion for sewing. On January 21, 1993, she founded The Magic Window, creating custom window coverings and building a business that reflected her creativity and craftsmanship.
In 1996, Carole moved to Des Moines. Two years later, she purchased her own home in Clive. She had secured a position as a secretary at Grand View College, where she worked for 10 years. During her time there, she embraced opportunities to broaden her world, traveling to Brazil, Egypt, and Greece. Carole opened her home and heart to a student from Ukraine, Oksana Zagorodna, PhD, whom she hosted for two years. She also welcomed her good friend from Clarion, Betty Maxheimer, who also lived with her for two years.
When she retired from Grand View College, Carole pursued a longtime interest in working as a clerk at the Iowa State Capitol. In 2009, she joined the legislature, working alongside fellow Democrats. She loved being 'in the know' when it came to politics!
Carole cherished her annual trips with her sisters, Mary Jane and Elizabeth, visiting Yellowstone, the Canadian Rockies, Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, Seattle, Washington DC, St. Louis, Branson, Springfield, Lancaster, and many other places! She also went on a memorable two-month trip to Europe. Each journey reflected her joy in exploring the world and sharing those experiences.
Carole was devoted to helping others and gave generously of her time throughout her life. She volunteered in many ways - packing fruit baskets for the Holmes Christmas Club, supporting the Clarion Development Committee, the Clarion Foundation, and the annual Festival in the Park. She also helped when RAGBRAI came through Clarion. In Des Moines, she was occasionally known to bring food to people experiencing homelessness and served meals in local shelters. She shared her talents with her church as well, sewing banners that added beauty and meaning to worship times.
Her first love was sewing, a talent she mastered with skill and pride - whether she was making winter coats, upholstering furniture, or sewing curtains. She was truly gifted, and taught her talent to her granddaughter, Raven. She was also an avid Bridge player, and found joy in playing the piano, a love she shared with her son, Steve. She enjoyed being part of a wine club and was a member of the TTT club. Handy and determined, she skillfully remodeled the basement of her home in Clarion, by building a bathroom and adding shelving with her own hands.
In 2021, Carole sold her home and moved to Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines, where she formed many new friendships. At the end of 2024, she moved back to the Clarion area, settling at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove to be closer to family. Carole developed dementia and faced its challenges with quiet strength. Even as her memory faded, she continued to express the correct emotions, in response to the conversation. She would even join in on conversations the best that she could with Chantelle, until God called her home. She was a very smart woman!
Carole's goals in life were simple: to have the resources to maintain her home, care for her health, and live comfortably and independently. She wanted the freedom to give gifts to her family, enjoy social outings with friends, take college classes, entertain in her home, and travel-both to visit loved ones and to see more of the world. These hopes guided her choices and reflected the thoughtful and generous person she was.
She is survived by her son, Steven (Holly) and sons, Zach (Chloe Carroll) and Alec (Clarion); her daughter, Chantelle Kinnetz (Clarion) and daughter Raven (Minneapolis) and step-son Caine (Seattle); her sisters, Beth (Wendell Mayes) Menges (Clarion) and Mary Jane Robinson (Lincoln); her uncle, Roger (Sunny) Brooks (Des Moines/Arizona); best friend, Charles Smith (Des Moines), and "surrogate daughter" Oksana Zagorodna, Ph.D., (Ukraine). She is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Betty (Brooks) Robinson (Clarion/Crystal River, FL); her brother, Edgar Robinson (Minneapolis).
A service will be held at Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion, Iowa, on Friday, May 1. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by a service at 11:30 AM. Lunch will be served at the funeral home at 12:00 PM. At 1:00 PM, family and friends are invited to an informal gathering for the burial of Carole's ashes.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rotary Senior Living for their compassionate care and support.