Carleen Rae Martin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Carleen Rae Martin, age 65, of Des Moines, IA who passed away on July 29, 2026

Carleen Rae Martin was born on September 16th 1960, in Germany where her father was stationed at the time. She was born to Jerry Lee Leonardi and Alpha Grace Lock ( Leonardi). Carleen the was the 7th Child of eight children welcomed by her parents. She grew up in Des Moines and Runnells, Iowa and graduated from South East Polk in 1979.

She was the loving mother to 3 children. In June 1982, she was blessed with her 1st child Stacey; April 1984, was blessed with her 2nd Daughter Andrea; and in March 1988, she was blessed with her son Curtis.

Throughout her life, Carleen worked as a clerk for the United States Postal Service, worked as a Medical Insurance claims specialist and a Customer Care Specialist at Vintech until retirement.

She enjoyed listening to music, dancing, watching various t.v shows, hanging with friends and talking on the phone to catch up with family and friends. Above all, she treasured time she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Stacey (Steve) Chopard of Saint Charles, IA; daughter Andrea Frazier of Des Moines, IA; and her son Curtis (Lizett) Frazier; grandchildren: Silas Sophia, Mya, Amina, Jay’Con, Autumn, Summer, Emma, Gibran, Julian, and Sofia; siblings: Michael Leonardi, Jerry Leonardi, Cindy Pollard, Cathy Lawrence, and Clarissa Saiz; also several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Alpa as well as her two sisters Chris and Cheryl.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family to announce at a later date.

“ To the world she was one person, but to us, she was the world.”

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Traditional Irish saying