Carleton Blunt Koldyke

Carleton Blunt Koldyke, 62 of Clear Lake, passed away surrounded by loved ones at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.

Carl was born on September 17, 1962, in Chicago, Ill. the son of Martin J. and Patricia (Blunt) Koldyke. Carl attended many schools near his hometown of Kenilworth, Ill. before moving to Clear Lake in 1983. Carl was a long-standing resident of Handicap Village and Opportunity Village before moving into his own home near downtown Clear Lake. He lived a rich life as part of the Village communities, acting as the manager of the “Memo.” Carl was the 2013 recipient of the Opportunity Village Golden Heart award. For decades he was cared for by a compassionate and wonderful team of caregivers who enriched his life and brought him great happiness.

Carl loved family, music, movies and parties. He loved attending events in the parks around Clear Lake and looked forward to the local carnivals and fairs. He loved overseeing the decorating of his home and yard for the holidays. Carl loved to travel, visiting family in New Mexico, Michigan and Florida. Pontooning and fishing on beautiful Clear Lake were some of Carl’s favorite summer activities. He loved barbeques and anything related to tasty food—especially dessert. He was the life of every party, never tiring of being on the dance floor surrounded by his friends and family. He loved having the microphone and his wedding toasts were legendary. And certainly no one could out-sing him in church; he may not have known the words but his enthusiasm was boundless.

Carl’s unmitigated joy, love of family, devotion to God, contagious laughter and unrelenting curiosity were gifts to all he touched as we marveled at the purity of his soul. The family left to cherish memories of Carl are his father, Martin J. Koldyke; siblings, Laird Koldyke and his wife Deirdre, Elizabeth Koldyke Boolbol and her husband Robert, and Benjamin Koldyke. Carl was deeply loved and will be missed by his eight nieces and nephews: Carleton, Prentiss, Dutch, Winona, Lukens, Jackson, Jesse and Rebecca.

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Blunt Koldyke.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N 4th St, Clear Lake, with Rev. Al Berge officiating. 

A second Celebration of Life will be held in Chicago on Saturday, November 2, at The Casino Club at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Carl’s life memorials may be directed to One Vision, 600 Glen Oaks Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.