Carmalee Ann (Harding) Kothenbeutel, 78
Carmalee Ann (Harding) Kothenbeutel, 78, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away at home in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 6, 2023, after a prolonged illness. A private family visitation and graveside service will be held. A memorial has been established in her name. Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Carmalee was born on January 15, 1945, to Herbert L. and Jane (Akers) Harding in Marshalltown while her father was away serving the Navy in the South Pacific during WWII. She was finally able to see him at the age of a year and five days.
Her early childhood was spent in the family home in Albion, IA. Carmalee attended the Albion Schools, graduating as the youngest graduate in the final class of 1962. She loved school and her extracurricular activities. Carmalee graduated class Salutatorian and was active in girls’ basketball, served as a drum majorette and participated in the local 4-H club.
She had a lifelong love of the Hawkeyes and attended the University of Iowa. Carmalee passed her love of the Hawkeyes on to her children and grandchildren. College also afforded her the opportunity of a lifetime to travel with her college roommate on a trip around the world to many exotic places including an extended stay in Japan.
Upon returning to the states, she accepted an administrative position at the main office of Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. It is there that she met her future husband, Carlton Kothenbeutel in 1965. They were together for 58 years. Carmalee and Carlton had two daughters, Janie and Leigh Ann who were their pride and joy and the center of their universe. If there was a school function or activity involving their children, they were present, preschool through graduate school.
Carmalee was an active community member. She served as president for the MMSC Hospital Auxiliary; president of the Rogers Elementary PTA, Member of the MHS parental advisory board, Marshall County Fair Board secretary and held numerous offices, including president, in her P.E.O. Chapter BB. Carmalee was a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown where she taught Sunday School and led Hope Chapel. She is a current member of the First Congregational Church in Marshalltown.
Carmalee is survived by her husband of 56 years and the love of her life, Carlton Kothenbeutel, of Marshalltown, two daughters; Janie (Jeff) Anderson, of Ann Arbor, MI, Leigh Ann (Tony) Matkovich, of Muscatine IA, three grandchildren; Andrew James and Molly Ann Matkovich and Nathaniel Jeffrey Anderson.
She is preceded in death by parents, Herbert L. and Jane Harding, and brother, Nile Harding.