Carolyn Elaine Spilde

Carolyn Elaine Spilde, known affectionately as Cadog to her family, was born on September 2, 1952, in Decorah, Iowa, to Gavin L. and Esther L. Spilde. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1971 and spent nearly five decades working in the tool room at CamCar Textron, beginning in 1978 and continuing until December 2025. Carolyn passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 73 at the Highlands following a long battle with cancer.

She found great joy in the outdoors, tending her flowers, roses, and vegetable garden, and was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved watching local high school teams and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Carolyn cherished annual Women’s Weekend outings with her sister, family gatherings, dining out together, and celebrating Nordic Fest. Her deep faith in Jesus remained central to her life. She also delighted in the companionship of her beloved dogs, Golden Retriever Hannah and German Shepherd Rhemi.

Carolyn is survived by her mother, Esther L. Spilde; her brother, Larry Spilde; and her sister, Marian (Gary) Kuhn; as well as her aunt, Joyce Brandt. She leaves behind nephews and nieces Bryan (Laura) Spilde, David (Sheryl) Spilde, Brad Spilde, Josh (Barb) Spilde, Alex (Sarah) Spilde, Rebecca Swopes (Dennis), and Matt Kuhn, along with great-nieces and great-nephews Micah, Chiam, Aliyah, Zachary, Noah, Rachel, Molly, Sadie, Hadley, Joziah, and Gloria Spilde and Swopes.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gavin L. Spilde; her grandparents Henry and Hannah Spilde and Lewis and Mabel Brandt; and her nephew, Christopher Spilde.