White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Carolyn A. Greiner, 83, of Independence, IA, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center in Independence.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. - Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church in Independence. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until service time, Thursday, at the church.

Carolyn Ann Koch was born November 7, 1940, in Petersburg, NE, the daughter of Alfred Anthony Koch and Hildagard Olivia (Klein) Koch. The family moved to Manchester, IA, in March of 1943, and later moved to Lamont, IA. Carolyn graduated from Lamont High School with the class of 1958 and then worked in Oelwein, IA, at the hospital. She later moved to Independence and worked at White’s Café, where she met Joe.

On May 5, 1959, she was united in marriage to Joseph Irwin Greiner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamont. They made their home in Independence where they raised their family and played a large role in the community. Before Joe preceded her in death in 2018, they traveled to all fifty states as well as Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. Joe and Carolyn were also snowbirds for 18 years, wintering in McAllen, TX. Carolyn was a member of St. John Catholic Church where she was active in the rosary society and prayer groups. She was also a member of PEO, Red Hats Society, and volunteered countless hours at the Independence Public Schools, St. John Catholic School, and Meals on Wheels. Carolyn liked to be social and always looked forward to bridge club, square dancing, and water aerobics. She also enjoyed caring for her beloved dog, Snickers.

Carolyn always said her greatest accomplishment was her family. She was happiest with a houseful of family and friends and pots on the stove. She truly cherished her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an avid fan of any activities her grandchildren participated in and always looked forward to following their events.

Carolyn is survived by five children, Michael (Julie Thomas) Greiner of Fairfield, IA, Tim (Ruth) Greiner of Milford, KS, Beth (Geoff) Ward of Fairfield, IA, Amy (Kevin) Jimmerson of Independence, IA, John (Tanya) Greiner of Independence, IA; 16 grandchildren, Alex (Toni) Greiner, Kara (Mike) Farley, Alyssa Bartholomew, Avary Bartholomew, Bart (Trista) Greiner, Lauren Ward, Garrett Ward, Grant Ward, Briana (Cameron) Hayward, Megan Jimmerson, Lauren (Sam Rode) Jimmerson, Mandi (Logan) West, Zach Jimmerson, Elle Greiner, Sarah Greiner, Claire Greiner; four great grandchildren, Genevieve Farley, Tyson Greiner, Jace Greiner, Emmerson Hayward; one sister, Donna Fleming of Volga, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; one daughter in infancy, Elizabeth Ann Greiner; two brothers, Walter Koch and Robert Koch; her daughter-in-law, Michele Greiner; brother-in-law, Lester “Joe” Fleming; three nephews, Ron Koch, Tom Koch, Terry Koch; and one niece, Annette Herd.

Memorials will be directed to the church; Cedar Valley Hospice; Alzheimer’s Association; and for Parkinson’s Disease research.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.