Carolyn Marie Exler
January 6, 1940 — January 14, 2016
Carolyn Marie Drexler, 76, of Marion, formerly of Hiawatha, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa due to complications of COPD. The family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion. A Celebration of Life Service begins at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Prairieburg at a later date.
Survivors include her daughter, Shannon Drexler of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Magee and Sam Campana of Naperville; step-children, Debby (Bob) Wernimont of Texas, Terry (Patti) Drexler of Cedar Rapids, and Sonny Drexler of Colorado; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Jean Semelroth of Atkins.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merle; her parents, Jessie and Elsie Pigman; son, Wayne Clark; 2 sisters, Dixie (David) Clay and Beverly (Joe) Reagan; and step-son, Jeff Jeffries.
Carolyn was born January 6, 1940 to Jessie and Elsie (Rajonis) Pigman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She married Merle L. Drexler on July 13, 1972 in Cedar Rapids. Carolyn worked for R&H Silkscreen and Midland Forge in Cedar Rapids for many years, retiring in 2010. She was a member of Machinist Union Local #831 of Cedar Rapids. Carolyn was an amazing mother and “Grammie.” She was one of the strongest, hard working women most had ever met. Carolyn was an avid Bingo player who enjoyed trips to Mesquaki. She was a great story teller with a beautiful sense of wit. Carolyn was a dedicated friend to many (especially her Midland Forge family) and will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her daughter, Shannon Drexler of Naperville, IL; grandchildren, Magee and Sam Campana of Naperville; step-children, Debby (Bob) Wernimont of Texas, Terry (Patti) Drexler of Cedar Rapids, and Sonny Drexler of Colorado; many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Jean Semelroth of Atkins.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merle; her parents, Jessie and Elsie Pigman; son, Wayne Clark; 2 sisters, Dixie (David) Clay and Beverly (Joe) Reagan; and step-son, Jeff Jeffries.
Carolyn was born January 6, 1940 to Jessie and Elsie (Rajonis) Pigman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She married Merle L. Drexler on July 13, 1972 in Cedar Rapids. Carolyn worked for R&H Silkscreen and Midland Forge in Cedar Rapids for many years, retiring in 2010. She was a member of Machinist Union Local #831 of Cedar Rapids. Carolyn was an amazing mother and “Grammie.” She was one of the strongest, hard working women most had ever met. Carolyn was an avid Bingo player who enjoyed trips to Mesquaki. She was a great story teller with a beautiful sense of wit. Carolyn was a dedicated friend to many (especially her Midland Forge family) and will be missed by all who knew her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carolyn Marie Exler, please visit our flower store.