Carroll Etchen

CLEAR LAKE -  Carroll Etchen, 98 met his Savior on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 1, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 North 4th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Klemme Cemetery, Klemme, Iowa.

Born on December 15, 1926, in Goodell, Iowa, Carroll entered the world alongside his twin brother, Merle, the son of Albert and Louise (Greiman) Etchen. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1944. He and his brother, Merle, proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Germany, where Carroll also played in the Army band.

In 1950, Carroll married Luella Katter, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Teri. He farmed in the Clear Lake area, and did custom work for others. He was known for his strong work ethic, putting in long hours to build a life he was proud of.

On July 18, 1982, Carroll married Elwilda “El” (Fink) Bruns, and they built a wonderful life together at Crestview Farm in Clear Lake. They found joy in giving back, providing college scholarships for graduates of Zion Lutheran Church. The couple spent many winters at their home in Port Richey, Florida, and loved traveling, taking short motorhome trips, and going on cruises with family and friends.

A self-taught mechanic, Carroll could fix just about anything. He took great pride in his beautiful farm, dedicating countless hours to its landscaping, gardens, and shop. Along with his brothers Delbert and Elwyn, he restored antique tractors and machinery, proudly displaying them on his farm. In 2013, Carroll and El were honored with the title of "Prettiest Farm in Iowa" by Our IowaMagazine.

Carroll was a devoted fan of Iowa State Cyclone football, holding season tickets and enjoying tailgates with his daughter, Teri, and her husband, Mark. He was known as the best grill chef at the games. His biggest joy, however, was hosting his legendary Fourth of July BBQ at the farm, where he proudly displayed 600 American flags in honor of his country. The highlight for family and friends was always the go-kart races around the farm.

A deeply patriotic and religious man, Carroll lived by his famous sayings: "Think positive," "Stop and smell the roses," and "Right way, Wrong way, Etchen’s way."

Carroll was able to celebrate his 98thbirthday at oakwood Care Center with his close family and friends. Carroll’s family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by the Touched by an Angel caregivers, Oakwood Care Center and staff, and St. Croix Hospice.

Carroll is survived by his daughter, Teri (Mark) Larson of Ames, IA; brothers, Elwyn (Donna “Aunie”) Etchen, Delbert Etchen; nieces and nephews, Debbie Etchen (Mark Nelson), Laurie Etchen, Linda Hendel, Benjamin and Rachel Hendel,Vincent (Thida) Etchen, Anthony and Vinchenzo Etchen, Cynthia Etchen, Mark (Becky) Etchen, Kyla (David) Rodgers & family, Michelle Wrighte, (Tim Laudry) & family, Bryan (Anastasiia) Etchen, Mike (Grace) Kuhlers, Connie (Bill) Thompson, Robert Etchen, David Etchen. Special friends; Tom and Georgia Ashland and their daughter Amber, along with many other relatives and friends. 

Carroll is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Louise Etchen; wife Elwilda “El” Etchen in 2023; siblings, Eloise (Elmer) Kuhlers, Winton (Dorothy) Etchen, Darlene (Marvin) Fink and Merle (LaVonne) Etchen. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice, St. Croix Hospice, or Alzheimer’s Iowa Chapter, 317 7thAve SE, Suite 402 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 5201, in Carroll’s memory.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 First Ave N. Clear Lake, IA 50428

641-357-2193 www.colonialchapels.com