Carlene Deist, age 89, formerly of Audubon, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Madrid home in Madrid.
Carlene Emily, daughter of Clarence and Beata (Schade) David, was born on January 27, 1936 on a farm in Lincoln Township, Audubon County, Iowa. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on March 15, 1936 and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon on June 4, 1950. Carlene attended rural schools in Audubon County until attending eight grade in Audubon until she graduated with the Class of 1954. Following graduation Carlene worked for A & G Farm Service in Audubon as an office assistant for many years.
On October 9, 1965, Carlene was united in marriage with John Paul Deist at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Carlene continued to work until they moved to Atlantic, Iowa. In 1966, a daughter, Lana was born in Atlantic. A year later, they returned to Audubon and purchased their home of over 50 years.
Carlene then worked for Iowa Public Service as a bookkeeper until she retired. Carlene was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Audubon and served on committees, altar guild and participated in many church activity duties. After retiring, grandchildren came along for which she loved spending time with them and being so close to them only living blocks away.
Carlene had a strong love for music all her life, learned to play piano by ear, played the alto saxophone in the band and participated in all music activities all four years of high school for which she received any honors and awards. All family gatherings at her home would include her playing the piano for all her extended family to sing along. Until her last day that she was able to sing, she would amaze all those around her with how she could harmonize.
Carlene spent a lot of time over the years visiting local nursing home with her parents, aunts, uncles and friends. After John passed away in 2016, Carlene was able to be in her home until she moved into the Friendship Home in 2018 where she enjoyed company of friends and music. In July of 2023, Carlene moved to Independence Village in Ankeny to be closer to her daughter and family to visit her regularly.
Carlene was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her sister, Ardith Lage, her brother, Lyle David, brothers and sister in laws.
Carlene is survived by her daughter, Lana (Mark) Greimann of Huxley, Iowa; grandson Nick (Kenzie) Jensen of Guthrie Center, Iowa; granddaughter Kelsey Jensen of Urbandale; grandson Nathan (Madi) Jensen of Guthrie Center, Iowa; her step grandchildren Kelanie (Jason) Malecha of Burnsville, MN and Brynnan Greimann of Austin, TX; Her great grandchildren, Nyla, Vera, June & Norah Jensen all of Guthrie Center, Iowa and Griffin Malecha of Burnsville, MN; a sister-in-law, Colleen David of Audubon Iowa; sister-in-law Dottie Brownsberger of Oakland, Iowa, a sister-in-law, Margie Deist of Audubon, and a sister-in-law Diana Deist of Audubon; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 06, 2025, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with Rev Pastor Sean Dougherty officiating the service. Interment will take place following the funeral at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will be served following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the church.
Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or to the Carlene Deist Family. THey may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.
Services are entrusted with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon.
