Carson Celebration of Life Center

01/03/2026

Helping you discuss grief with your children, this 78-page book is meant to be more than just a one-time activity for you and your child. It is a resource that you can come back to as different grief moments arise. It contains activities for children, tips for parents as well as answers to common grief and bereavement questions.
https://www.amazon.com/When-Someone-Dies-Child-Caregiver-Activity/dp/099638040X

01/02/2026

Y. George Houston, 84, of Preston, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Young George Houston was born on November 27, 1941, in Selma, Alabama, to Marcus Kennedy and Beatrice (White) Hous...

View Y. George Houston's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/01/2026

How old is cremation? Archaeological records cite one of the oldest known cremations as the Mungo Lady, the approx. 20,000 year-old remains of a partly cremated body found near Australia’s Lake Mungo. This 1969 finding shows that cremation, as well as complex burial rituals, might have existed in early human societies.

12/31/2025

2025 has been another difficult and challenging year for area communities who have been hit hard with the loss of so many friends and neighbors.

Once again, we've created this compilation of Maquoketa area residents who passed away in 2025 that we have been blessed to care for. Each picture tells a beautiful story of significance. We are humbled and honored to be chosen to walk this grief journey alongside their families. We pray that we've been able to make the journey a little easier. We invite you to take the time to watch this video and as we did, remember them, and say a prayer for each family represented here.

As we start a new year, never take anyone for granted for tomorrow is never promised.

May God bless you today and always.

From all of us at Carson's...Happy New Year!

Watch the video for A Year of Remembrance

12/30/2025

Jeffrey Dwight Zimmerman, 65, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Dubuque, Iowa. Jeff was born on February 24, 1960, in San Fernando, California, to Dwight and Ruth Ann (Flora) Zimmerman. He graduated from Maquoketa High School with the Class of 1978 and later married Pamela Sanderson on J...

View Jeffrey Dwight "Jeff" Zimmerman's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/30/2025

Granite is one of the most durable stones, making it an excellent material for memorial headstones. It provides a very effective material for carving, etching and engraving, making it perfect for long-lasting memorials.

12/29/2025

Helen A. Ricklefs, 83, of Baldwin, Iowa, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 26, 2025, at home.

Helen Anna Welch was born on October 25, 1942 in Sterling, Iowa, to Marshall and Anna (Henrichsen) Welch. She attended country school near Green Island, and then Sabula Public Schools.

I...

View Helen Anna Ricklefs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/27/2025

Loved ones nearing the end of their journeys may become disoriented and not know the time, place, or even who is around them. It is important to have a dedicated person to let them know what’s happening around them, and at Carson Celebration of Life Center we are staunch advocates of seeking family input during end-of-life preplanning.

12/26/2025

Kenneth D. Fuchs, 85, passed on peacefully on December 21, 2025. He had been a resident of Clover Ridge Place Assisted Living in Maquoketa, IA.

He is survived by his children: Tracy (Gary) Frahm of Miles, IA; Brian Fuchs of Urbandale, IA; five grandchildren: Brooke Fuchs of St Louis Park, MN...

View Kenneth Duane Fuchs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/26/2025

Regrief is generally used to describe a child's grief, but it can be used for adults as well. As you continue on your journey through life and experience "big moments" (weddings, graduations, etc.) without your loved one, you may experience "regrief." Even if it's years later, the special occasion can cause you to feel the same grief you felt at the time of your loss.
In these situations, take a moment to acknowledge your grief and reflect on the memories you were able to share with your loved one. Know that they will always be with you in your heart.

12/24/2025

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historic monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. The inscription reads: "HERE RESTS IN | HONORED GLORY | AN AMERICAN | SOLDIER | KNOWN BUT TO GOD."

12/23/2025

Gary L. “Smiley” Bloore, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, after a five-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Gary Lee Bloore was born on July 7, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa, to Arthur L. “Art” and Norma L. (Wulf) Bloore. He grew up on the ...

View Gary L. "Smiley" Bloore's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.