Carol Jean Seagren

Carol Jean Seagren, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa.

Carol was born on November 13, 1941, to Eddie and Catherine (Matthiesen) Seagren in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She was the oldest of three daughters, with younger sisters Mary and Linda—and, as the family lovingly teased, she was also the shortest.

From an early age, Carol was very much her father's girl. She adored her dad and shared his adventurous spirit, often embracing her tomboy side. Their mother, Catherine, taught fourth grade at the local elementary school, and the girls delighted in playfully calling her "Mrs. Seagren" instead of Mom, much to everyone's amusement.

A defining moment in Carol's life came when her younger sister, Linda, was diagnosed with diabetes. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of others facing illness, both Carol and Mary chose to become nurses. Carol spent two years working in a local doctor's office while waiting for Mary to finish high school, and together they attended the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, graduating in 1965.

Nursing was more than a profession for Carol—it was her calling. She began her career at Iowa Methodist Hospital before joining the Pediatric Unit at Mercy Hospital, where she spent more than 20 years caring for children with skill, compassion, and a gentle heart. She later continued serving children and families at ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa, where her kindness and dedication remained evident in everything she did.

Carol and Mary shared an extraordinary bond that shaped their entire lives. Their journeys often mirrored one another's, both in their careers and in their personal lives. Mary welcomed a daughter, Elisabeth, in 1982 and then in 1983, Carol's dream of becoming a mother was fulfilled when she adopted her beloved son, Matthew. Carol purchased a home with her sister Mary in West Des Moines, and together the sisters raised their children side by side. Their close-knit family shared holidays, celebrations, everyday moments, and a lifetime of treasured memories.

Carol also had a deep love of travel and adventure. She and Mary explored Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France, Austria, and the Caribbean together, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. Of all the places they visited, Hawaii captured Carol's heart. She returned there four times, drawn back by its beauty, warmth, and peaceful spirit.

Whether caring for her patients, spending time with family, or exploring the world with those she loved most, Carol lived a life marked by compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her gentle spirit, and the deep love she shared with her family and friends.

Carol is survived by her nieces, Elisabeth (John) Warmbrodt, Cathy Stanek, and Elaine Sikora; great-niece, Mary Warmbrodt; and great-nephew, Collin Warmbrodt; and her brother-in-law, Perry Sikora.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Mary and Linda; and her son, Matthew.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, in Des Moines, Iowa with visitation from 9-10 a.m. prior.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Carol and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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