Carol Ann (Fischer) Albertsen of Gray, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 84. Carol was born on June 9, 1940, to Max and Velma Hagedorn Fischer at St. Anthonys Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. She was baptized on May 26th, 1948, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, IA, and confirmed on June 20, 1954, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. Carol attended elementary school at Jefferson #2 near Botna, IA. She was 12 years old when the family moved to a farm east of Audubon near the Gardner Store. There, she attended Greely #1 school and later graduated from Audubon High School in 1958.
Carol then married Donald Nielsen, and three children were born into that union: Randy, Lori, and Mark. She was later united in marriage to Jeff Albertsen on July 8, 1978, at St. Johns American Lutheran Church in Caroll, IA, and one child, Michael, was born. Jeff and Carol have been farming in Cameron Township and living on the family farm near Gray, IA. In their earlier years of marriage, they enjoyed golfing in a couple’s league and country western dancing. Carol and Jeff had a busy social life, including many Friday night suppers out with friends. They enjoyed attending basketball, soccer, and baseball games and state and county fairs to watch their grandchildren. Carol often volunteered her time at church, helping with funeral meals, weekly bulletins, and monthly newsletters. Attending church and going out for coffee with friends afterwards was something they looked forward to every week. They also enjoyed Thursday night music in the park during the summer. Carol and Jeff recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.
Carol really enjoyed living on the farm. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and delivering meals to the fields. Giving her grandkids rides on the golf cart became one of her favorite things to do. She would often stash animals on the golf cart path to surprise them. Carol and her good friend Marcia Hacker owned an M&C lunch wagon, serving many meals at auctions for 18 years. She also enjoyed spending time at her home in Lake of the Ozarks with her family and especially her sister Sharon. She looked forward to socializing with her many friends at Tuesday night Bingo and was a member of the ODO (our day off) club that would meet monthly for over 50 years. Carol also loved watching her son Mike race the #3 car and was so relieved when the race was over. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law, Ernie Albertsen.
She is survived by her husband, Jeff Albertsen of Gray, Iowa; Mother-in-law, Ardys Albertsen of Exira, IA; Son, Randy Nielsen of Audubon, Iowa; daughter, Lori Ray (Jeff) of Lenexa, KS; Son, Mark Nielsen (Sarah) of Grimes, IA, Son; Michael Albertsen (Krystal) of Audubon, IA; Sister, Sharon Drake (Ron) of Rogers, AR; Sisters-in-law: JoEllen Loveless (Matt) of Edmond, OK, and Joni Baier (Mark) of Audubon, IA; Grandchildren include Amanda Kommes (Isaac) of Exira, IA, Amy Riehemann (Zack) of Honolulu, HI, Jason Hupp (Courtney) of Lenexa, KS, Jared Hupp (Ashley) of Honolulu, HI, Nolan Nielsen of Carson, IA, Monica Woofter (Michael) of Waukee, IA, Gracye Albertsen of Overland Park, KS, Jenna Nielsen of West Des Moines, IA, Sienna Albertsen of Ames, IA.; Nieces: Dawn Renze, Tamera Beaman, Kelly Holck, Stephanie Baier, Jenni Young, Jill Tompkins, Katelyn Baier; nephew, Drew Baier; Many great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 09, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, IA, with Pastor Chris Townsend officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. A luncheon will be held following the interment in the fellowship hall of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The casket bearers for Carol are Jon Meislahn, Daryl Hacker, Bryan Olson, Eddie Steffes, Steve Mathisen, Russ Bruhn, and Tom Chambers.
Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 08, 2024, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon, IA.
Memorials may be directed to the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in memory of Carol. They may be mailed to Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.
Funeral arrangements are handled with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon, IA.
