CARROLL, Thomas Joseph "Tom"

Photograph courtesy: Dubuque Today

CARROLL, Thomas Joseph "Tom". (Cascade, IA, May 27, 1946--Dubuque, IA, February 7, 2026) Tom made the choice to take his own life, because he could not reconcile life on earth while experiencing both cognitive and physical decline.

Tom was born May 27, 1946, in Cascade and raised on the family farm in Ryan, Iowa. His parents Helen (Knepper) and Francis “Frank” Carroll offered each of their children a choice: a farm or an education. Tom chose to pursue an education, earning both a BA and MA at LORAS COLLEGE. Living in East dorm he met other men who would become lifelong friends. Attending a “mixer” between Loras men and Clarke women he met the love of his life, Carole Snyder. She became Carole Carroll in 1972 resulting in a name play which was the subject of many discussions during their 55 years of marriage.

By profession, Tom was an elementary school teacher, beginning in Farley, Iowa moving to JACKSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, and finishing his career at IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. He was a teacher for years and affected thousands of lives. Former students would see him in public and reach out to share their memories and gratitude for his tutelage. Tom had a unique and spirited approach to education and was dedicated not just to his students, but also to his peers. He was active in the DUBUQUE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, Iowa State Education Association, and National Education Association.

On occasion he would ride his bicycle to school, not only as a mode of transportation, but to place it on his desk and teach how each gear worked at a different ratio and how those ratios impacted movement and motion. He would bring ears of field corn into class to demonstrate the process of estimation. Tom was an accomplished pumpkin farmer. He would bring a variety of sizes including the biggest and best into the classroom. Dropping them from a third story window to demonstrate the gravitational acceleration constant. Then evaluating the “crime scene”, counting how many seeds each pumpkin had, and analyzing other inquiries the students had. Then there were days he would drive in one of his tractors, typically a Farmall M, along with an Ertl scale model 1:16 of the tractor to teach ratios, like his bicycle to show students how the math made sense in real life. Tom was one of the first to embrace the concept of experimental learning. That meant field trips to the “Carroll Rock Shelter” where indigenous people lived a thousand years ago. After this lesson there would be a hayride, bonfire and hot dogs cooked on a stick; followed by journaling of what they had experienced and learned.

Growing up on the family farm, Tom developed not only his work ethic, but also his work skills. In addition to being a teacher, he was a “Jack of all Trades” and was named “Mr. Fix It” by friends, family and neighbors. He would immediately drop what he was doing if called to help someone. Tom could ride a horse (and almost lost a finger doing so). He was an expert canoe paddler and may have tipped a few over to make sure no one stayed dry. He completed multiple RAGBRAI rides as a rider, and as the support sherpa for his family. Tom was an aficionado of old tractors and loved all colors – Case, Farmall, and John Deere. He had several of each.

Eventually, Tom persuaded Carole to not only buy some land, really a small farm, but to build a house on that land. He literally sketched out a diagram on a napkin, next on a piece of paper and determined that was the blueprint for his future home. And then Tom set out to build it. Family and friends, especially Robert “Bob” Pancow, helped make his napkin dream a reality. He enjoyed his time there for the past ten years. But true to Tom’s form, there are still a few things here and there that remain unfinished.

Above all, Tom treasured relationships with friends and family. As a result of Tom and Carole’s marriage, there were three boys – Rodney, David, and Peter. There were other special people who called him Dad. One was Thor Larsen, whom he taught in 6th grade, that became another son. Thor and Tom spent many, many hours together and were as close as any father and son. Also, Tom cared deeply for Emily Gatch, whom he considered his only daughter. Since his death Tom’s family has learned of others who have said, “He was like a father to me”.

Tom was always active in his sons’ lives. He involved himself in Boy Scouts because his boys were. Pinewood derby cars were built and raced. Toy tractors were collected and played with. When Senior High School needed a Debate Coach, he became the Debate Coach. When Trailblazers Horse and Pony Camp needed a new leader, he became the Trail Boss. Whenever one of his boys needed anything, he was there to give without reservation. Unfortunately, Peter’s life ended too soon in 1987 at age 7, as a result of a car pedestrian accident.

In addition to his son Peter, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Helen Carroll, brother Paul Carroll, brother-in-law Gerald Maxwell, grandparents, Ida and William Knepper, and Mary and John Carroll.

In honor of Tom’s memory, memorials may be given to the Peter Carroll Scholarship Fund at Dubuque Montessori School or Hospice of Dubuque. The family would like to thank all of the first responders for their compassion; Stonehill Wellness Center; and Michael Peroski, DO.

Tom is at peace, but his family and many close friends are mourning his loss. If depressed, seek help. If suicidal, call the Suicide Hotline 988.

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Source:

1. Dubuque Today, Online.