Carla Jane Aldershof

Carla J. Aldershof, 73, of Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona, passed away on Friday, August 27. Carla was born in Dubuque, Iowa on September 28, 1947, the daughter of Maurice and Helen Willenborg.

Carla graduated from Xavier High School in Dyersville, Iowa in 1965. She then attended and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1969 with a degree in Education. She spent her career teaching mostly first grade in Riverside, Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, for a total of 29 years.

Carla was married to William (Bill) Aldershof on October 8, 1977, at Danforth Chapel in Iowa City. They spent their married life in Iowa City, Iowa, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Surprise, Arizona.

Carla’s primary goal was to enjoy every day to the fullest. She loved teaching, but retired when Bill did in 2000, so they could devote their lives to travel, and they did! They visited all 50 states, most national parks, all of the presidential libraries and numerous countries throughout the world.

They decided to build a home for the first time in Hot Springs Village. Carla learned to play golf in the Village and she had many lady friends with whom she played as well as couples groups with Bill. Another activity she enjoyed was their boat, which they used extensively on the Coralville Reservoir, Lake Michigan and Lake Ouachita in Arkansas.

Carla is survived by her husband, Bill, four children, Jeff (Dana) Baum, Jon (Tina) Baum, Julie Horne, and Leslie Griggs; 12 grandchildren; three sisters, Lola (Dean) Baragary, Paula Forest, Nyla (Randy) Pettinger; two nieces, and one nephew.

In accordance with Carla’s wishes, she will be cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at the Surprise Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on October 16. There will be a reception at the Aldershof home immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank, the Wounded Warriors, Habitat for Humanity, the Rice Depot, or Heifer International. Online condolences may be sent to Bill and family at [email protected].