Donald Francis Carey's Obituary
Donald Francis Carey, 91, peacefully passed from this life on Thursday, February 5, 2015, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada, Iowa. Don was born on January 12, 1924 to James Patrick and Julia Ruth (Farrell) Carey in Adair County, Iowa. He became the man of the household at age ten when his father was fatally struck by lightening. He graduated from Stuart High School in 1942. In March of 1943, Don joined the Army and began an odyssey that would impact him forever. He nobly served in North Africa and Italy until the end of November 1945 , earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Upon return from WWII, Don settled in Stuart. There he met Juanita Wild and they married on February 6, 1947. They moved to Nevada, Iowa in 1951. Don and Juanita co-owned Varsity Cleaners, where they worked side-by-side for 40 years. Don was truly a gentle man. He will be remembered for his generosity, compassion and kindness. He was a devoted family man and usually could be found holding a baby or playing with the little ones at any gathering. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good story. Don had a tremendous capacity for work and often was involved in helping others with building and remodeling projects. He volunteered many hours at the Ames Public Library and was a fiercely loyal member of the Democratic Party. Don was dearly loved by his survivors, including son Pat Carey of Nevada, daughter Lynne Carey and son-in-law Navid Emami of Nevada, sisters Rita Wilson and Norine Marlowe of Stuart, brother-in-law Keith Antrim of Omaha, Nebraska, brother-in-law Mervyn (Peggy) Wild of Nevada, sister-in-law Beverly (Gary Thompson) Wild of Guthrie Center, sister-in-law Kathy (Darrell) Christensen of Dale City, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita, an infant brother Richard, sisters Helen Bedore, Kathleen Turenne, and Regina Antrim. The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Story County Senior Care and St. Jude's Hospice for their loving care and boundless compassion. There will be a gathering Saturday, February 21st between 2 and 5p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Nevada to celebrate Don's life with desserts, conversation and music. There will be a short program at 3. A funeral mass will be held in the sanctuary at 1p.m. The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to Story County Honor Flight or the Food Bank of Iowa. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
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