Caroline Joyce Delk

Caroline Delk, 83, an amazing, loving caring lady, entered heavens gates on Monday, January 13, 2020 at Karen Acres Healthcare Facility in Urbandale, IA after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Caroline is survived by her “son” Randy (Jessica) Morrison of Altoona, IA; siblings, Robert Rogers of Kansas City, MO, Roy (Phyllis) Rogers of Pleasantville, IA, Connie Crawford of Johnston, IA, Ron (Marcia) Rogers of New Braunfels, TX, Jim (Kristi) Rogers of Melcher, IA and Christine Griffith of Pleasantville, IA; grandchildren, Samantha Rosenbalm of Milo, IA, Andy Catron of Knoxville, IA and Lisa Munzenmaier of Urbandale, IA; 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Caroline was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Delk; parents, Mary and Elmer Rogers; her daughter, Susan (Morrison) Rynearson; and grandson, Matthew Rynearson.

How do you describe the amazing woman we all loved in a few lines in an obituary? Caroline worked hard most of her life. Many years were spent in the food service industry, i.e. The Savery Hotel, Bosselman’s Truck Stop and the Mitchellville Woman’s prison to name a few. The letters she received from inmates in the prison were so thoughtful and showed that Caroline always went that extra step to help people.

Although not always appreciated, Caroline was always ready to “mother” her six siblings. However, probably the most important job she undertook was to raise her grandson, Randy, during his formative years. And what an exceptional job she did.

Caroline enjoyed traveling to New Orleans especially at Mardi Gras. She loved to fish, be it off the coast or in a farm pond in Iowa. The icing on the cake was when Bob surprised her with a deep-sea fishing trip where she was quite successful! She also enjoyed crafting and had numerous craft projects going at any given time. Caroline was well known in our family for cooking for an army anytime we got together and for making wedding cakes for family members. Caroline’s most favorite thing to do was spending time with family. Whether it was sitting and talking, playing competitive card games or making special treats with the little ones, it didn’t make any difference. Just spending time with those who were the most important people in her life was her favorite thing to do.

Until the onset of Alzheimer’s, Caroline was active in the Berean Assembly of God Church in Pleasant Hill, IA. She never met a stranger, always welcoming one wholeheartedly into her life once she had met you.

Although deeply missed, our memories will keep Caroline alive in our hearts forever.

Visitation for Caroline will be held Monday, January 20, 2020 from 4 to 6 pm with Celebration of Life service to follow at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Caroline. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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