Carolyn Mahaffey

    Carolyn Glee House Mahaffey, 73, 109 N. 16th St., Clear Lake, IA, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012 of injuries sustained in a vehicle/pedestrian accident.  A Celebration of Life Service was held Monday, April 9, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Dean Hess officiating.    According to her wishes, her body has been cremated.  A private

graveside inurnment was held at the Clear Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to Opportunity Village, Zion Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society or Central Gardens.
    Carolyn was born Aug. 14, 1938 in Wascoia, Minn., the daughter of Robert LeRoy and Eleanor Ruth (Wise) House.  She graduated from Rochester High School in Minnesota in 1956 and the Community College in 1958.  She was united in marriage to Ralph Roger Mahaffey on March 28, 1958 at the Homestead United Methodist Church, Rochester, and to this union three children were born.  They moved to Clear Lake in 1963.
    Carolyn worked at Raggedy Ann and Andy Day Care, Lorinda’s Cheese House and Dr. Gross’ office as an ultra sound technician for 25 years, retiring in 2007.  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for 48 years.
      Carolyn found joy in serving and giving to others.  This giving spirit extended beyond her life when she donated her eyes so that others might see.  Her love of the Lord was evident in her actions and her grateful spirit.  She was an avid walker and enjoyed making friends along her routes.  All who knew her will remember her bright smile and cheerful attitude.
     Carolyn was an active participant in her community, volunteering with the Clear Lake Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Clear Lake Arts Center, Village General Store, Opportunity Village, Zion Lutheran Elderberries, Chamber of Commerce, Area Education Agency, Walking School Bus program, American Cancer Society, Oakwood Care Center and Central Gardens.  
     Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Sherri, and husband, David Luick, Lakeville, Minn; her son, Mark and Jolene Greenlee, Clear Lake; son, Michael and his wife, Amy, Clear Lake; two brothers, Jerry House and his wife, Carolyn, Rochester, Minn., Bob House and his wife, Ann, Eden Prairie, Minn.; and three sisters, Betty Stoltenburg, Rochester, Minn., Mary Burke and her husband, Robert, Eyota, Minn., Sandra Maule and her husband, George, Evans, Ga.; and one brother-in-law; Gary Mahaffey and his girlfriend; Judith VanDyne, Minneapolis, Minn.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  
     Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph (Nov. 11, 2007); her parents; and one grandson, Jesse Mahaffey and daughter-in-law, Kim Mahaffey.  
    Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.