Carolyn Ann Howlett

Carolyn Howlett, 69, of Britt, passed away Monday, May 13, 2013 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt with her family by her side.

A memorial service for Carolyn will be held Friday, May 17, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the First Lutheran Church, 70 5th Ave NW, in Britt with Pastor Lee Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. West  in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services on Friday at First Lutheran Church.

Carolyn Ann Howlett, the daughter of Ludvig and Mabel (Varland) Jacobson, was born on November 5, 1943 in Buffalo Center, Iowa. She attended school in Rake, graduating from Mason City High School. Carolyn became a registered nurse after graduating from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing and passing the State Board exam.

Carolyn was united in marriage to Duane Howlett on November 26, 1964 in Mason City, Iowa. The couple moved to LaPorte City, Livingston, Wisconsin and later Newton, Iowa and in 1970 moved to Britt.  Carolyn worked at the Hancock County Hospital until she joined the farming operation with Duane for over forty years. 

Carolyn was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, serving in women work groups, altar committee, greeting committee, education board, Luther League advisor and FLCW. 

Carolyn was additionally active in the community as a 4H Leader, woman’s bridge club member, Farm Bureau, REC groups, and nursing alumni group. 

Carolyn’s favorite activities were farming and spending time with her family and friends. Carolyn was the first one to join in on playing a board game, playing cards, reading books with grandkids, and quick to share a cup of coffee for a visit. Carolyn enjoyed boating, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, and always looked forward to creating new lasting family memories vacationing in Okoboji.  Carolyn’s kindness and compassion for others continued to shine through even during her illness and was so generously reciprocated over these recent difficult months.  Carolyn will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 48 years Duane of Britt; 3 children: Kathy Hempe of Maple Grove, MN; Julie (Paul) Walczak of the Chicago area; Lisa (Quentin) Stortenbecker of Britt; 4 grandchildren: Hannah Hempe, Matthew Hempe, Audrey Walczak and Alexandra Walczak; Carolyn was number 6 of 14 children and survived by 9 sisters: Shirley (Clarence) Miller, JoAnn (Caroll) Hall, Marlene (Dixon) Marsh,  Mary (Jerry) White, Ruth (Stan) Ott, Naomi (Doug) Rall, Rachel (Jerry) Morris, Deb (Geno) Cole, Beth (Ed) Edmundson; 4 brothers: Roger (Phyllis) Jacobson, Loren (Carolyn) Jacobson, Paul (Mary) Jacobson, Luther (Karen) Jacobson; Father-in-law Jay Howlett, Mother-in-law Nadine Howlett; Sister-in-law Karen (Ron) Olien; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests any memorial be given to Hospice of North Iowa.