Carroll L. “Cary” Vis, 92, of Eldridge, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport, surrounded by his family.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, at St. Ann Catholic Church, Long Grove. He was laid to rest at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Long Grove. Visitation was Monday at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Memorials may be made to St. Ann’s, Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Carroll Lee Vis was born on Feb. 27, 1932, in Sully, Iowa, a son of Gerrit L. and Jenny Grace (DeBruin) Vis. He served our country in the Naval Reserves from 1950 until 1954. Carroll earned a BA from Central College, Pella, in 1954 and attended Drake Law School for two years before realizing he wanted to go into teaching. He later earned his master’s degree from the University of Iowa in guidance and counseling in 1966.
Carroll was united in marriage to Rita R. Brown on June 16, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Boone. They have shared over 62 years of marriage.
Mr. Vis taught social studies and coached basketball at New London High School for five years before earning his master’s. In 1967, the Vis’ moved to Eldridge, where Mr. Vis was a guidance counselor at North Scott High School for 27 years until he retired in 1994. Following his retirement, he continued to assist with study halls and lunchroom duty as was needed. The Vis’ were proud to have been the Grand Haven King and Queen for the North Scott Homecoming Parade in recent years.
Cary was an active parishioner at St. Ann’s Catholic Church for many years, serving as a eucharistic minister. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, Befrienders, past president of the Iowa Guidance Counselor Association, a bridge club, T.R.A.I.N./Friendly House in the summers working with youth and was also involved with Habitat for Humanity. Cary also enjoyed playing golf, carding a hole-in-one at Wapsi Oaks, and was a proud New York Yankee Fan.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Rita; children: Lisa (David) Engler and Michael Vis, all of Eldridge, son-in-law, John Hart, West Liberty; grandchildren: Nicole, Kelly, Michael (Anna), Sean (Dashae), Allen, Logan, Ava, and Matthew; great-grandchildren: Elowen and Sylvie; as well as many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Traci Hart, his parents, and sisters, Norma Toom and Mary DeZwarte.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
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