William “Bill” Carr

William “Bill” Carr, 97, passed away on June 29, 2022 with family at his side. Heaven just gained another Notre Dame Nike and Iowa Hawkeye Hall of Famer. He was born on August 2, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa to James and Frances Carr.  Bill graduated from Ottumwa Catholic Central High School, where he was president, voted most outstanding student, and an all-state awarded athlete with baseball and basketball as his passions. Following his service in WWII, Bill attended St. Ambrose College, where he played basketball, and graduated with a degree in business, coaching and teaching.

He married the love of his life, Nancy Kent, on June 15, 1954 at St. Mary's Church in Ottumwa. They built their marriage and life together based on Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." Their marriage lasted 67 years and included many people in their circle of love, most importantly their 8 children, 24 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Bill is survived by his 8 children, Gary (Donna) of Dallas; TX, Terry (Don) of Omaha, NE; Linda of Minneapolis, MN; Mary (Roger) of Liberty, Mo; Kevin (Liz) of Burlington, IA; Dan (Leanne) of Kansas City, MO; Sheila (Chris) of Ankeny, IA; David (Amy) of Liberty, MO. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents James and Frances Carr, his sisters Mary Lakin and Helen Emery, his brothers Bud, Bob and Jack Carr, and one granddaughter  Megan Carr.

Bill first taught and coached at Moravia High School. He then taught and became the first coach for Notre Dame Catholic High School, coaching basketball and baseball. He loved his church and Notre Dame, and was involved in both. He continued to follow Notre Dame his entire life.  Following his career at Notre Dame, he worked a long and successful career for Burlington Sporting Goods, continuing his involvement with sports. Bill dedicated his life to hisfamily and church. He had a terrific work ethic, officiating many basketball, baseball, softball and football games in order to support his family.  He remained close with his family and friends from Ottumwa, and loved to hear the laughter, chatter and chaos of family meals with his many children and grandchildren. He was a great father and took pride in the success of his children. Bill was very blessed with a strong faith and quiet confidence throughout his life.  His children believe that all they are and aspire to be, they owe to their father and mother. Bill especially enjoyed making pancakes for his grandchildren, taking them for riding lawnmower rides around the yard, and watching Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball games. Always a gentleman, Bill liked his hamburgers well done and he never turned down a vanilla ice cream cone.

Bill’s loss to the family is beyond words, but he leaves a loving legacy through his sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends. Bill and Nancy always taught that passing is only temporary when you believe in God. He was a life well lived!

Services will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO on Friday, July 15, 2022. Visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with Mass to follow. The Rite of Committal and burial of Bill and Nancy will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burlington, IA on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. A time of fellowship and storytelling honoring these two great people will follow at Kevin Carr’s home.

Bill was devoted to his faith, and along with Nancy,ensured that all of their children graduated from Notre Dame High School. So, in lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Notre Dame High School in Burlington, IA (burlingtonnotredame.com).

Services will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO on Friday, July 15, 2022. Visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with Mass to follow. The Rite of Committal and burial of Bill and Nancy will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burlington, IA on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. A time of fellowship and storytelling honoring these two great people will follow at Kevin Carr’s home.

Bill was devoted to his faith, and along with Nancy,ensured that all of their children graduated from Notre Dame High School. So, in lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Notre Dame High School in Burlington, IA (burlingtonnotredame.com).