Carolyn Lea Bortell

Carolyn Lea Bortell, 71, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at UnityPoint Health: Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Per the wishes of Carolyn and her family, cremation rites have been accorded under the care of the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. A family-led celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Riverview Park Community Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Animal Rescue League. For online condolences or additional information, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Carolyn was born March 5, 1952 in Iowa City, Iowa. She was the third of nine children born to Henry “Hank” and Annabel (Armstrong) Perkins. After meeting the love of her life, Kenneth “Skip” Bortell Jr., they were united in marriage on December 31, 1969 at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Carolyn was a loving and devoted sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Later in life, she took CNA courses and dedicated 20 years in nursing at the hospital and several local nursing homes over the years. She was a member of the Salvation Army for over 30 years, including the Salvation Army Women’s Club and Kids Clubs. She was also a member of Guys and Dolls, and enjoyed their yearly trips to Branson, MO. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bingo, card games and slot machines and going to the Moose Lodge and American Legion. Family meant everything to Carolyn. She especially enjoyed taking care of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister trips each year and holiday get-togethers.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 53 years, Skip; her children: Crystal (Ryan) Anderson, Jessica (Jason) Chizek, Desiree (DJ) Wilder, Travis Bortell and Lacey Bortell (Johnny); grandchildren: Samantha (Alex) Eichhorn, Darrin Anderson, Logan (Alyssa) Anderson, Kamrin Chizek, Kenzee (Quinton) Charlier, Qwinton Wilder, Andru Wilder, Izabela Bortell, Korbin Perry, Ozzy Smith and Tiffany Smith; great-grandchildren: Liam, Emilia and Levi Eichhorn and Beckham Charlier; her siblings: Ethel “Marie” Spencer, Ramona “Terry” Albertson, Dan Perkins, Rosie (Steve) Fricke, Mara Navis, Judy Perkins, Nick (Connie) Perkins and Jeff (Sue) Perkins; numerous other extended family members and many friends.

In eternal life, Carolyn is reunited with her parents, nieces: April Perkins and Chrissy Fricke, “Aunt” Margaret Wagner and brother-in-law Greg Navis.