After a long struggle with COPD, Carolyn Rae (McMillin) Moe of Urbandale peacefully passed away on August 4, 2023 at the EveryStep Kavanagh Hospice House at the age of 84. Carolyn is survived by her son Jeff (Debra) Moe, and daughter Carol (Todd Stewart) Moe-Stewart. She is also survived by the 7 grandchildren she was blessed with, Zach Moe, Tyler Moe, Josh Moe, Sara (Tyrin) Vann, Becca (Samuel Swanson) Moe, Parker Stewart, Peyton Stewart, 2 great granddaughters Emma and Madilyn, and 1 baby on the way.
Carolyn was born on March 27, 1939 in Buchanan County, Iowa to Claude and Erma (Wells) Mcmillin. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Charles Kenneth Moe, sister Myrna (Don) Turner and survived by her brother Cliff (Marsha) McMillin. Carolyn grew up in Dunkerton, Iowa where her parents owned the McMillin General Store. She was active in athletics and played high school basketball. Growing up she worked with her parents in their family grocery store. Carolyn graduated from Dunkerton High School in 1957.
Carolyn lived the majority of her adult life in Sioux City, Iowa where she worked in the banking industry. Carolyn also owned an antique furniture stripping and refinishing store, J&M Refinishing, with her best friend, Glenda Jurgens. Carolyn loved to see the surprise on people’s faces when she introduced herself and told them she was a “stripper.” This always got a second look and a good chuckle.
Carolyn was an avid gardener and loved tending to the flowers and plants in her backyard. She was quite the plant whisperer, had a huge green thumb, and could revive just about any plant. Carolyn loved camping and being outside in nature. She loved watching Jeff wrestle and play football and Carol play volleyball and softball while they were growing up.
After 42 years in Sioux City she decided to pack up her prized possessions, sell her house, and move to Urbandale, Iowa to be closer to her son Jeff (Minneapolis) and daughter Carol (Urbandale). Carolyn was a fierce sports fan! She loved to watch her grandchildren play sports. She never missed a football, basketball, or baseball game. Even when her COPD started to affect her health she still managed to make it to sporting events. One of her favorite places to be was at Urbandale Little League watching baseball. Carolyn was so proud to be from the state of Iowa and she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. She loved the Hawkeyes, but was happy to cheer for any teams from Iowa!
Carolyn requested to be cremated. A graveside ceremony will be held in Dunkerton next summer. A celebration of life is being planned and will be held in the near future. Details will be shared via Facebook and on this website.
In lieu of flowers, Carolyn asked that any memorial monies collected be donated to Urbandale Little League. Memorial cards can be sent to Carol at 9209 Dewey Gibbs Road, Urbandale, IA 50322.
