Carolynn Blunk

Carolynn Blunk, 81, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Carolynn Harriet Wickey was born on November 20, 1942, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Harold Addison and Arlene Louise (Behrends) Wickey. She was baptized at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, on February 7, 1943. Carolynn attended country school and was a member of the Massena Class of 1960. 

Carolynn was united in marriage to Kenneth Crum on November 28, 1960, and the couple was blessed with three children, Kathy, David, and Carrie. The family lived in rural Grant, until moving to Atlantic in 1980. During this time, she was a member of the Grant Women’s Travel softball team, traveling all over southwest Iowa for games. She later married Earl Blunk on September 25, 1987, in Chillicothe, Missouri. Camping and taking drives with Earl and their pet dogs around the countryside were favorite relaxing activities of the couple.

Carolynn was a stay-at-home mom, and later worked as one of “Bob’s Girls” at The Pines for many years in addition to being a shipping clerk at what is currently Mahle, retiring after 30 years.

Carolynn was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, and was active in the ladies’ group and vacation bible school. She was always busy around the house whether it be canning the produce of her large garden or sewing and crocheting. Carolynn enjoyed watching the Hallmark channel, attending craft shows, and getting together with friends in her card club. She loved a night out for square dancing; even giving lessons from time to time.

She had a caretaker’s heart; a second mom to her sister, Jacque and always supportive of her grandchildren. There was no doubt if there was a choir concert, sporting event, or anything else the grandkids were involved in she would be there. 

Carolynn is survived by her daughters, Kathy Dorsey of Villisca and Carrie (Tim Snyder) Kirchhoff of Lewis; grandchildren, Tonya (Aaron) Inman of Prescott, Mike (Sarah) Dorsey of Massena, Kaitlin (Jeff Wood) Dorsey of Stanton, Quinn (Brian) Esbeck of Atlantic, Cydney (Chris) Karstens of Norman, OK, Jayney (Robson Bunda) Hoegh of Honolulu, Hawaii; great grandchildren, Anna (Nolan Blum) Inman, Isabelle (Tallen) Myers, Dillon Inman, Lucas Inman, Calvin Dorsey, Collin Dorsey, Wyatt Wood, Tanner Wood, Willow Esbeck, Axel Esbeck, Cambry Karstens, Covi Karstens, Caiya Karstens and Cazley Karstens; sisters, Jacque Wickey of Atlantic and Barb Ward of Grant; brother, Ralph (Judy) Wickey of Massena; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Blunk, Rosella Blunk, David (Carol) Blunk, and Leita Blunk all of Atlantic; and other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Arlene Wickey; husband, Earl Blunk; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wayne and Maxine Blunk; son, David Crum; sister, Nedra Horn; brothers-in-law, Arnold Horn, Jack Wright, and Howard Ward; and many special pet dogs. 

Open visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, October 3rd at Roland Funeral Home followed by visitation with the family present from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 4th at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota.  

The service will be livestreamed and available at the First Lutheran Church Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/136044436805588 or Pastor Mike's YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@pastormikebodkins4139/featured

Burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., Friday.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church.

 Roland Funeral Service is caring for Carolynn’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.