Carol Gleason, 78, of Oskaloosa passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at her home in Oskaloosa.
Carol Ann Gleason, daughter of Maurice and Geraldine (Cook) Crist, was born March 6, 1945, in Fairfield, Iowa. She was a 1963 graduate of Fairfield High School and then attended cosmetology school in Ottumwa, graduating in 1965. November 26, 1966, she was united in marriage to Michael Gleason in Oskaloosa. They made their home in Tracy until 1970, when they moved to Russellville, Arkansas, for two years. They returned to Oskaloosa in 1972. Carol resumed her education at Indian Hills Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1977. She was then employed at Pleasant Park Manor and did consulting work at Tower Park and Siesta Park Nursing Homes. In 1982, she earned a degree in Health Care Administration from Des Moines Area Community College, and in 1985, she began working at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Knoxville. She then enrolled at Drake University and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1997. In 2002, she earned a diploma in Legal Nurse Consulting. She was also nationally certified in Psychiatric Mental Health of Adults and Children, and nationally certified in Gerontology. From 2007 – 2009, in addition to her job at the VA, Carol worked part-time at Northern Mahaska Nursing Home. October 30, 2009, Carol retired. Throughout her career, Carol was always striving to improve her service to her patients and her employers. Carol’s family and friends were very important to her; she loved to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She endlessly devoted her life to service and family, this was her pride and joy.
In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and taking care of her beloved pets, her dog, Griffin, and birds, Romeo, Ellie Mae, and Elvis.
Carol’s family includes her children: Daniel (Susie) Gleason of Oskaloosa, Raymond (Julie) Gleason of Oskaloosa, Christopher (Rebecca) Gleason of Oskaloosa, and Crystal Sodak of Oskaloosa; grandchildren: Amber (Cody) Adams, Joe Gleason, Kellie See, Jessica (Jesse) Phillips, Clay Gleason, Kurt Sodak, Kevin (Olivia) Sodak, and Kaleb Gleason; great-grandchildren: Zander and Zoey Gleason, Haisley and Huxton See, Ariana and Cashous Adams, Haylei Wiley, Job, Semira, and Kaius Phillips; siblings: Roy (Randee) Crist of Oak Park Heights, MN, Darlene Crist (sister-in-law) of Cedar Rapids, Joe (Jan) Crist of Paris, MO, Jane (Roger) Kauten of Norwalk, and Karen (David) Gillespie of University Place, WA; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Carol is also survived by her ex-husband’s siblings: Tom (Jean) Gleason of Winter Park, FL, Ray (Mary) Gleason of Cedar Rapids, Bill Gleason of Tracy, John Gleason of Oskaloosa, as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews on the Gleason side.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Michael, in 2012; a brother, Maurice Crist Jr.; sisters-in-law, Jean, Janis, and Shirley Gleason; and a brother-in-law, Frank Gleason.
Funeral services for Carol will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2023, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Troy Richmond of St. Mary’s Catholic Church officiating. Cremation will follow the funeral service. Visitation will begin at noon on Sunday; the family will greet visitors from 2-4 p.m. Memorials contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, or Crisis Intervention Services, Oskaloosa.
