Carol Hageman

Carol (Nichols) Hageman touched many lives. One of her joys was giving, and she gave so much joy to family, friends and more. Bright eyes, warm smile, helping hands. Carol loved keeping up a lively correspondence with the people in her life. Her notes, cards, emails and phone calls let people know she was thinking of them.

Speaking of cards, Carol played a range of games with her husband, family, and several clubs that were dear to her. She loved to reminisce about her high school years. She loved her class reunions and having coffee with her classmates on Wednesdays at Java John’s before the pandemic. Carol was a great planner who loved incorporating many favorite things and foods into special events.

And Carol loved her family. She was a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, and a really fun grandma. The good life for Carol was a life of heartfelt care and connection with others.

Carol was born February 12, 1943 in Iowa City to Eleanor (Field) and Carl Nichols. She had three siblings: Marc (Sherry) Nichols, Diane (Mike) Sondergard and Paul (Bev) Nichols. December 12, 1964, Carol married Herbert J. Hageman. She gave birth to and parented three children: Amy (John) Bultman of Ankeny, Andy (Min Yu) Hageman of Decorah and Rachel (Mark) McConnell of Rochester, MN. Carol was a proud grandmother to James Bultman, Anne (Luke) Hughes, Bennett McConnell, Sofia Hageman, Charlotte Yu, and one great granddaughter, June Hughes.

She was also a special caretaker of the neighborhood deer, birds, and especially squirrels, with a special mention to her favorite, Stubby.

Carol attended school in Independence, Central City and Decorah. She also attended Simpson College and State College of Iowa. Carol was an active member and officer in many church and social organizations. Her PEO and UMW affiliations were especially important to her, and she enjoyed her time with the ladies in the Naomi Circle and working at the church bazaar. She connected with everyone she met, and nobody stayed a stranger for long.

Carol passed away in the early hours of Christmas morning, December 25, 2021. Her husband and children were able to join her during her day of peaceful passing.

She was always determined to find a way to bring the family together. Carol loved Christmas Eve family gatherings, carols, and the candlelight service that always concluded by singing “Silent Night.” It was a blessing to share this last day with family, before going to sleep in heavenly peace.

Private Family Funeral Services were held at First United Methodist Church in Decorah, with Rev. Hyeunmee Kang officiating. Burial was in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.