Robert "Bob" Carroll

In Loving Memory of Bob Carroll
Robert D. "Bob" Carroll-known as Rob by his bride-was a man loved by all. He was smart, proud, kind, and welcoming, making friends wherever he went. He was never a stranger for long.
Bob was born in New Hampton, Iowa, to Don and Arldine (Halvorson) Carroll and grew up on a farm in Lourdes, Iowa. He was raised alongside siblings who shaped his life and laughter: Wayne (Deb Schimdt), his oldest brother who is always up for a good time; Barb (Jim Knetcht) who Bob called his savior for always taking care of him; and Dave (Pam Voves), who he enjoyed so many shenanigans with year after year.
In high school, Bob met the love of his life, Jane-a beautiful young woman with long straight hair and short skirts. They married when Bob was just 19 years old and went on to share more than 52 years of marriage built on love, laughter, and friendship. Bob affectionately called Jane "his bride" and "Toots," and she was saved in his phone as "A Hottie." Their love was the foundation of everything Bob cherished.
Together, Bob and Jane built a beautiful family: Chalsea, his favorite oldest daughter, and her family-Adam (Lueschow), Cade and Garret (Wenthold); Lacy, his favorite youngest daughter, and her family-Chris (Chamberlain), Finley, and Chloe; and Bobby, his favorite son, and his family-Kayla (his favorite daughter-in-law), Madison (Bakken), Bobby, and Rhett. Bob was known as "Pa" by his grandchildren, a name given to him by Cade, his beloved first grandson. Pa would always have the golf cart ready to go, trails mowed through the woods ready for Ranger ride after Ranger ride, and campfires lit, once the kids had picked up enough sticks from the yard. Bob's grandchildren were the light of his life, and there's no doubt he and Cade are already getting into trouble together.
Bob believed busy hands were happy hands. He farmed throughout his whole life. He also worked full time, beginning his career at Hanson Tire, then worked for the State of Iowa (DOT), and then Howard County for 33 years, ending his career there as the road foreman. At age 55, Bob followed his passion, retiring from the County, and started Carroll Construction and Carroll Custom Seeding Company. He poured his heart into creating ponds, basements, waterways, and other dirt work-work he truly loved.
Bob and Jane treasured time spent at their trailer in Harpers Ferry and enjoyed traveling together-whether alongside Sue or Kenny and Jamie, or making new friends during their winter in Fulton, Texas. Bob loved fishing trips with Pete, Sunday communion with Loren ("Animal"), and spending time with friends and family at tractor pulls, where he spent many weekends and had the largest, loudest cheering section.
Bob's barn was his happy place-a gathering spot filled with family, friends, laughter, and countless barn dances. Friends loved to stop by and spend time with Bob and Jane in the barn, whether it was watching Vikings football, listening to music or just bullshitting; and Bob was good at that. He was a great storyteller-masterful in his pacing, intentional with his pauses, and gifted at keeping everyone hanging on every word. Whether you'd heard the story or joke before or not, you listened again, because Bob made it unforgettable.
Bob will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who shared laughter and memories in the barn. He was the light of our lives, bringing warmth, laughter, and love wherever he went.