Carol Esker

Carol Marie Esker (Hogan), 86, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, surrounded by family. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and beautiful memories.

Carol was born and raised in Jesup, Iowa. She was the youngest of seven siblings, and from an early age, she developed her love of sports and her tenacious spirit. After graduating from high school, Carol moved to Cedar Rapids to begin her working life as a secretary. She met her husband, Carl, at the Armar Ballroom in Marion.

Carol and Carl quickly built a family of their own, welcoming four children into their lives. Sixty-five years later, they are blessed with 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren! Two of Carol’s grandsons share her September 23 birthday, and this date became the occasion for an annual family birthday bash. This family tradition, along with family vacations and card games, was among the many things that brought Carol great joy.

Carol enjoyed lunches with friends, playing cards, golfing, helping others, and spending time with her family. Her days often ended with cocktail hour with Carl, friends, and family, when they would gather to “solve the world’s problems.” She had a wonderful appreciation for time spent together and was a great listener.

Above all, Carol’s faithfulness was constant. Her service to others was seen most fully in her calling as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She also helped show the world the beauty of raising a child with special needs. Carol and Carl took many trips with their son, Stephen, to explore the country. She was a good sport, and Carol and Stephen were great pals.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; her children, Stephen Esker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Nancy (Dave) Probst of LeMars, Iowa; Mike (Jody) Esker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Lori (Mitch) Myers of Marion, Iowa; and two siblings, Paul Hogan and Margaret Feeley. She will be missed by all her grandchildren, but her life will continue to live on in the stories shared, traditions celebrated, and lessons learned winning and losing in cards.

Our family wishes to thank all those who cared for Carol throughout these past many years. This includes family, Alyssa, and the staff of HallMar Village and Suncrest Hospice. Lastly, we wish to thank the makers of Snack Pack Pudding and Pepsi. She truly had a sweet life.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 17, at St. Pius Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the Mass, with private family burial to follow. The funeral will be live-streamed for those who wish to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh-sdzau39ykw_hbTVv8Qcw/featured.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Health Free Clinic https://www.communityhfc.org/donate/ or Discovery Living, Inc. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BAS8ST2XS9QHC&ssrt=1786563706523. If you do make a donation, please send a confirmation to info@stewartbaxter.com or call 319-362-2147 so the family can thank you properly.

Please share your support and memories with Carol’s family on her obituary page at www.stewartbaxter.com under the Obituaries tab.