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Carolyn Ruth Bouquet
Born: April 14th, 1932
Died: September 6th, 2021
Obituary
Carolyn Bouquet, 89, a lifelong resident of Burlington, passed away on September 6, 2021. She was born on April 14, 1932, the daughter of Carl and Marian Gibb Wachutka. Known by her classmates as “Kayo”, Carolyn graduated from Burlington High School in 1950 where she was a BHS cheerleader. She went on to graduate from Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) in 1952. Carolyn married Warren “Nick” Bouquet on June 20, 1952. Meeting over a cup of coffee at the former Lincolnville Diner, he would call her “Joe”, a nickname that lasted through their 55 years of marriage until Nick’s death in 2007.
Carolyn was employed by the Burlington Community School District until her retirement. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church singing in the choir and playing hand bells. She was a volunteer at Great River Medical Center, a Singing Ambassador with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Great River Medical Center Friends, and past President of Burlington Fire Fighters Auxiliary. Carolyn was an avid bridge player for over 50 years and enjoyed watching Jeopardy.
Carolyn was passionately committed to Iowa Order of Rainbow for Girls and Eastern Star. She served as Grand Martha, Mother Advisor for the Burlington Assembly, but her most rewarding experience was being Executive State Mother Advisor for Iowa Rainbow.
She is survived by three children James Bouquet (Catherine) of Spotsylvania, Virginia, Sandra Carslick (James) of Brunswick, Maine, Robert Bouquet (Chriss), of Allen Texas. Carolyn is also survived by her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Warren, parents Carl & Marian Wachutka, step-father Herbert Walters, Brother James Wachutka and step-sister Virginia Cherre.
The family recognizes and thanks all those who supported Mom during her illness, including, but surely not limited to, Bob and Judy Adams, Judy Boden, Lois Close, Nephew Neil Wachutka and wife Jane, and the staff of Ridgeview Assisted Living and Great River Medical Center.
A private family inurnment will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery with a celebration of life service to be held at the United Methodist Church in the spring.
Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, Burlington Masonic Temple Association, or Eastern Star Grand Chapter Project.