1944-2025
Kenneth B. “Ken” Crouse, age 80, of Panora, and formerly of Carroll, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll with Rev. Jeremy Poland officiating. Casket bearers will be Todd Crouse, Jeff Pruitt, Joe Suefurt, Steve Gawley, Bret Richards and Pat Holloway. Burial will be in the Carroll City Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday evening. Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service.
Memorials are preferred to Tori’s Angels or the American Truck Historical Society.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Ken was born on Oct. 2, 1944, in Boone and was the son of Paul and Ruth (Smith) Crouse. He lived as a child in Denison, moving to Carroll when the family relocated the family business. Ken was a proud member of what was to become the 1962 graduating class of Carroll High School and continued with the Alumni Association.
Ken met Sharon Holloway through a mutual friend, and it was to be a “forever moment.” They were united in marriage on Feb. 29, 1964. Ken had a lot of fun telling folks “he sure was lucky,” as he only bought anniversary gifts every four years! They were blessed with two sons, Scott and Matthew. Ken spent nearly 50 years dedicating his life’s work to Crouse Cartage Company. He took pride in helping prepare drivers for the truck rodeos both in Iowa and at national venues. He enjoyed being part of the Crouse bowling teams for several years. Following his retirement, Ken didn’t miss many “Wednesday Retiree Coffees.” Ken spent many years as a member of the American Truck Historical Society where he helped establish and attend several chapter groups as a regional vice president. He was very proud to have his own truck to drive to shows. For many years, Ken was a passionate follower of local dirt track racing, which led to an avid interest in NASCAR and some Indy races.
Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shari Crouse of Panora; sons, Scott Crouse (Laura) of Panora, and Matthew Crouse of Carroll; four grandchildren: Andrew Crouse (Alyssa), Toni Curry (Kyle), Matt Crouse, and Shealor Crouse (Laci); two great grandsons, Emmit Crouse and Marty Curry; sister Jean Watt (Monte); brother Jeff Crouse; sisters-in-law: Dixie Crouse, Rose Crouse, Pat Gawley (Steve), Sandi Richards (Kent), and Becky Muhs (Dean); brother-in-law Bill Holloway (Jan); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, O.E. and Helen Holloway; and his brothers, George and Larry Crouse.