D. Rodney Carson, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 27, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family under the care of Hospice of Jackson County.

Don Rodney Carson was born on December 30, 1938, in Maquoketa, Iowa to William Garfield “Bill” and Dorothy Lucille (Schoendelen) Carson. He was a 1956 graduate of Maquoketa High School where he excelled in basketball and was a part of the highest scoring team in Maquoketa High School basketball history.  Following high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mortuary Science. He married Beverly Joan Socks on November 27, 1960, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Valerie Mae and Don William.

Shortly after his marriage, Uncle Sam called, and he served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves being stationed in California.  Upon returning home from his military stint in 1962, he joined his parents in the family business, Carson Funeral Home in Maquoketa.  In 1971, he purchased the business and operated it until his retirement in 2004.  He was a licensed funeral director in Iowa for over 62 years and dedicated his many years of service to supporting and caring for families that entrusted their loved ones with Carson’s.  Today, the family business continues in its 88th year under the direction of the third generation, Rodney’s son, Don.

Rodney had been an active member of several local organizations throughout his lifetime, some of which included the Izaak Walton League and the Maquoketa Masonic Helion Lodge #36 AF & AM. He had also served on the Maquoketa Volunteer Fire Department for almost 20 years.

Rodney loved the outdoors, whether it be mushroom hunting, or the annual houseboat fishing trips with family and friends to Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. He was an animal lover, enjoyed tinkering and was a jack of all trades who could fix just about anything.  In retirement, he appreciated a good puzzle, picked up cooking and was always trying new recipes with family favorites being his homemade cranberry sauce and “Rod’s Holiday Hoppers”.

His love for sports was also evident as he was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones and the Green Bay Packers.  He also enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren, never missing a chance to be their biggest fan at any event they participated in.

Perhaps the most treasured of his pastimes was the time spent “Up North” at the family retreat, Camp Digger, in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. This special place held countless memories of laughter, love, and connection, encapsulating the essence of what truly mattered to him—family.

Those left to honor his memory, include his wife of 63 years Beverly Carson of Maquoketa, IA; children, Valerie (Michael) of Des Moines, IA, and Don (Careyanne) of Maquoketa, IA; 3 grandchildren, Nate (Jenna) Clark, Natalie (Kyle) Disney, and Karysa (Michael Seegers) Carson; 2 great-grandchildren with one on the way, Addison and Elodie Clark; in-laws, Lyn and Joanne Socks, Karen and Dale Lagerman, Ava Moon, and Greg and Janet Socks; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Danny Moon.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County, Maquoketa Volunteer Fire Department, or the Jackson County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.