Carr, Thomas O'Brien

Thomas O'Brien Carr, 70, of Cascade, died Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at 8:30 p.m. at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade due to cancer. According to Tom's wishes, his body was donated to research at the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. The family will greet friends after 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a memorial service for Tom will be held at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Full military honors will be afforded by Cascade American Legion Post 528.

Born Jan. 8, 1943, at John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, he was the oldest son of Roy Bernard Carr and LaVerne (O'Brien) Carr. He attended school in Dubuque, graduating from Wahlert High School in 1961. Tom served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1963. He was discharged early to help care for his family after the death of his father. He worked at John Deere in Dubuque for 17 years. He also worked for Cascade area farmers. He was a member of Cascade American Legion Post 528.

Tom was a big NASCAR fan and enjoyed working on cars.

He is survived by two daughters, Teri (Larry) Schellenberger and Tami Hamlin, both of Colorado; siblings, Joanne (John) Plein of Dubuque, Mike (Patti) Carr of Dubuque, Cathy Saddoris of Cedar Rapids, Rich (Sue) Carr of Waterloo, Don (Dianne) Carr of Wauwatosa, Wis., and Jerry (Terri) Carr of Epworth; two grandsons, Nicholas and Michael of Colorado; one granddaughter, Sydney; many nieces and nephews; and his cat, Spanky.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Roy in 1962 and LaVerne in 2004; and two brothers, Philip Carr in 1977 and Patrick Carr in 1996.

A Thomas O. Carr memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.

We would like to thank Kristina and Nichole of Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Shady Rest Care Center for providing Tom care and comfort in his last days.

Published March 10, 2013 in The Gazette