Carolle Jeanne Nelson Eidem, age 85, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at New London Specialty Care in New London, Iowa.

She was born on February 19, 1940, in Stanley, North Dakota, to Earl and Lillian (Vahldahl) Nelson. She is survived by her daughter, Joni (Kevin) Crenshaw of Keokuk, granddaughter Bailey (Joe) Donahue of Hamilton, IL, grandson Daniel (Sadie) Crenshaw of Montrose, IA. Great grandchildren, Conor Donahue, Rhys Donahue, Olive Donahue, Warren Crenshaw and Thatcher Crenshaw. She also leaves behind her sister Jan (Daryl) Hubbard of Glendale, AZ and many friends including good friend Bonnie Meyers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, former spouses, son Timothy Eidem formerly of Keokuk, and two nephews Scott Hubbard and Michael Hubbard.

Carolle had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at ease. Her beauty was not only seen in her warm smile and gentle presence, but in the way she lived her life. Always thinking of others, offering help without being asked, and giving freely of her time, love, and heart. She never needed recognition; simply knowing she had helped someone was enough. Family was the center of Carolle's world. She took great joy in participating in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, rarely missing an event, celebration, or milestone. Whether cheering from the sidelines or quietly supporting from the crowd, her presence was a constant reminder of her love and devotion. She found joy in life's simple and shared moments. Carolle cherished her time with her friends in the Red Hat Club, she loved traveling, playing cards, and her routine dining hotspots throughout the area. She valued the friendships she built and the adventures they had together. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, often filled with laughter, conversation, and togetherness. She loved hosting gatherings and opening her home to others, making everyone feel like they belonged the moment they walked through the door. Those who knew Carolle will remember her for her grace, her soft-spoken wisdom, and her selfless spirit. Her legacy is not found in grand achievements, but in the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

After a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's Disease, Carolle is now at peace. Free from confusion and struggle, she rests in comfort, surrounded by love that carries on beyond this life. Her mind is clear, her spirit whole, and her gentle soul has found the peace it so deeply deserves. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered as someone who made the world a more beautiful place.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa, with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in rural Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, from 11 am to 1 pm at the funeral home directly before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude Children's Hospital or Hickory Grove Cemetery Association.