Carolan, Gary 1945 - 2020

CAROLAN, RYAN, HAYES, MCCABE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:47

Gary Carolan, 75, lost his battle with Parkinson’s July 29, 2020. His services will be private with a burial and celebration of life at a later yet-to-be determined date.

He was born June 23, 1945, in Decorah, to John and Gladys Carolan. He attended grade school in rural Decorah schools, and graduated from Decorah high school in 1963, where he always said he graduated in the upper 90 percent of his class! After graduation, Gary joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Wright. After his honorable discharge in 1967, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves.

After his active military service, Gary started his career with the Quaker Oats company in Cedar Rapids. His career with Quaker started in the mailroom, but with a lot of hard work, long hours and dedication, he retired after 33 years as a financial controller in Indianapolis, In. His career with Quaker took him and his family from Iowa to Illinois and Ohio, before settling in Indiana. His dedication and motivation were admired and respected by those that knew him.

He married Janice (Ryan) July 6, 1968, at St. Agnes church, in rural Iowa. He was the very proud father of two sons, Todd and Troy.

Gary was active in the local Noblesville clubs, where he was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW and Elks clubs and member of the Moose and Eagles. He volunteered his time and financial abilities and helped manage the financial records at the clubs.

Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janice; his son Todd, his wife Melissa; his son Troy and his wife Jennifer, and four grandchildren: Ryan, Logan, Cheaney and Jolie; a sister, Sheryl Hayes; sister-in-law, Bonnie McCabe; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys and his brother, John (Jackie).

Gary was a great provider, family man, and good friend to many who he loved to entertain, with endless jokes! Those that knew him surely know of Ole and Lena as well. He will be missed by many.

Source: Decorah Newspapers Aug. 4, 2020