Ottumwa, Iowa - Carol Marie Anfinson, 77, of Ottumwa, died at 1:58 a.m. November 26, 2025 at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA.

She was born December 24, 1947 in Ottumwa to William Hubert and Thelma R. Carl Owings. Carol married Arlin A. Anfinson January 18, 1969.

A 1966 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Carol earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970. Later, she earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in secondary mathematics from Northeast Missouri State University. Carol worked 5 years for Irving and Douma Schools and taught at Indian Hills Community College. She taught science at Evans Jr. High for a short time and mathematics at Ottumwa High School for her last 15 years of teaching, retiring in 2005.

Carol had been a member of First Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She enjoyed chaperoning student trips including the Discover 21 trip to Florida, the Washington DC trip and the Great Western Expedition trip for 20 years. She enjoyed playing Bridge and family fishing trips including trips with her parents and brother to Canada and later to her brother's camp in Ely, MN. Carol loved to travel and enjoyed 14 cruises with her husband.

Surviving is her husband, Arlin; their children, Derek Anfinson of Hawk Springs, WY and Tracy (Barry) Dietsch of Cedar Rapids; 6 grandchildren, Bethany, Brianna, Trevor, Hannah, Payton and Devan; 6 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Richard Owings of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her body has been cremated. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 4th at Reece Funeral Home.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday, December 5th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Hendred officiating.

Memorials may be made to Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha or to the Alzheimer's Association.