Michael Carolan
May 20, 1943 ~ January 20, 2023
Michael 'Rat' Carolan, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023, at home. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life from 12 ' 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, and will continue afterwards until 6 p.m. at 2nd Avenue Corner Pocket, 609 2nd Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids.
Mike was born to Paul and Agnes Carolan on May 20, 1943, in Decorah, Iowa. He attended high school in Decorah and Cedar Rapids where he graduated from St. Patrick's Catholic School. He was drafted to the Army in 1964, and was honorably discharged in 1970.
Mike was married to Sandy Rasmussen on January 25, 1969. They would have celebrated their 54-year anniversary this year, she lost the bet on that one. Mike worked for Iowa Manufacturing for several years and then retired from the Laborers Union Local 43.
Mike was an avid pool player and well-known amongst the entire Iowa pool community. Mike would never pass up a match and always had a one liner for you because he knew he was going to win. A card game, a sports event, or whatever you could come up with he was always willing to make a bet. Mike was also very well known for showing up to any event with pumpkin bars and other treats that he would con his wife into making for him.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy; siblings, Mary (Al) Kenney of Colorado, Bonnie Mincy of Cedar Rapids, Linda Jordan of Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law, Linda Carolan of Solon, Diane Brola of Nevada, Becky Fester of Cedar Rapids, Raejeanne Swore of Cedar Rapids; brothers-in-law, Irwin (Cathy) Rasmussen of Waterloo and Dick (Mary) Rasmussen of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews
Mike was reunited in death with his nephew, Shannon Rasmussen, who he raised like a son and was his best friend. He was also proceeded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Tom Carolan; sisters, Sally Comried and Pat Berg.
Memorials may be directed to his wife, Sandy.
Please share your support and memories with Mike's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Gonna miss you man, sleep peaceful buddy..
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Mike was my cousin and we grew up together in Iowa. I was fortunate to see and talk to him a few weeks ago. Lots of good memories!!
Have many good memories of Mickie and Tommy as kids growing up in Cedar Rapids. I was a younger cousin who was led astray and gladly followed. Didn’t always come out the best but enjoyed every minute of it.
I have so many good and fun memories of Mike after knowing him for 30+ years. To say he is going to be greatly missed by many is an understatement. His jokes, his smirk, his grin, his jabs, his laugh… obviously I could go on and on. My condolences and prayers to all of his family and friends. He and Shannon are reunited. We’ve lost a great one…May you rest in peace, Mike.
Rhonda Prouty
Bonnie and Linda, I am so sorry to learn of the death of your brother and brother-in-law. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will always remember his sense of humor and quick wit. Oh, and that laugh!! I watched some videos on FB and it was nice to see that he really was the same. So many good memories with you all. I hope that you find some comfort in the memories you hold dear.
I was lucky to Mary into the family with Pat the oldest now deceased. We always looked forward to breakfast with the family in the spring on our way to minnesota from Florida. Mike was always willing to talk sports and we both wondered why the minnesota pro teams fell apart. Mike was the most likeable and independent guy I knew. Sorry to Sandy. Mike has left a big void. Tom berg
Sandy,
We’re sorry for your loss. Knowing Mike since our years together at St. Patrick’s brings back many great memories. Our lunches with our high school classmates has been a special treat. We’ll all miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Clair and Linda Scott
I was around 12 years old, watching the World Series with uncle Mike in Cedar Rapids when he asked me if I knew what the over under was for the series……I had no idea what he was talking about, but years later we laughed about it. When he laughed, it was infectious and I would laugh too. Good times…. I will miss my favorite uncle. Sandy, my heart goes out to you. Mike Berg
Sam, so sorry about Mike. I can still hear his laugh. Sending Love, Linda Carlton Duhme. Lisa also sends her love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike is my brother, as well as Jim snd Tom. He was an alter boy in our wedding 10/29/1960. We moved to Colorado 6 months later but always had a great time at the family get togethers when we came back. He will be missed by all!
With deepest sympathy,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. Frank and I always enjoyed being around him, There was never a dull moment when he was near. We seem to be losing too many of our friends. Until we meet again, Mike.
Joleen Zieser and Frank Watson
Sandy,
So sorry for your loss! Mike was one of the greatest friends I ever had! Mike worked with my Dad and gave him rides home from work, He told me my Dad was a good guy! I didn’t know they knew each other! I had the up most respect for Mike, He taught me so much, about pool, respect, Love, and treat others with respect. Shooting pool with Mike, Shannon, Dave, Tony, and Scott. What great times! I don’t know if you remember when Mike and Shannon invited me to stay and eat fish you caught in the gulf! I can still taste it, You’re a great cook! Shannon was one of my best friends!
We practiced pool all the time! Mike never practiced with us he didn’t have to he was already One of the Best! Sent with Love and Prayers! ❤️🙏🏻