Arlen Carroll, age 87, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, May 22, 2018, at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center, Burnsville, MN.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 1, at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside, with military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Honor Guard. Arlen will be laid to rest at a private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
On December 23, 1930 in Selma, Iowa, Arlen Sanford, was born to parents, Robert and Vivian (Brooks) Carroll. Years following, he became the big brother to Suzanne and Brooks. Growing up on the family farm, Arlen was not to interested in farm life. He especially enjoyed going into town and finding great joy in the small-town atmosphere. When time allowed, Arlen loved visiting his grandparents and spending summers with relatives in Fort Dodge, IA. It was time he could get together with his cousins and somehow mischief would be lurking in the shadows!
The Carroll family moved to Burlington, IA, where Arlen later graduated from Burlington High School in 1948. On October 7, 1951, he proudly became a United States Marine, just after start of Korean War. Arlen became a publicist for the Marine Corp. On October 6, 1953, Corporal Carroll was honorably discharged and returned to college. He took his knowledge of writing and earned a degree in Journalism from Iowa State University. Arlen dappled in journalism for a while, but in the late 1960 took his career in a different path. For decades, Arlen managed brokerage firms all over the United States, before retiring at the age of 72. Years following, he was so proud to have his daughter, Margo and her daughter, Megan follow in his footsteps as brokers.
Arlen married Sara Tuohy in 1962 and from this union were blessed with three children, Anne, Tom and Margo. After 25 years of marriage they parted ways. Arlen was still hopeful for true love. His life was once again enriched meeting Terri Harris. For her it was instant love, just by the sound of his radio-like voice. On October 5, 1991 at their home in Bloomington, MN they wedded. Arlen’s family instantly grew to include Theresa’s children, Bob, Brian and Patrick.
Arlen enjoyed the simple things in life. He relished swimming, the companionship of the family dogs and playing golf. Arlen and Terri loved to travel, with fond memories of Ireland, England, taking cruises and visiting different destination in the United States. He was an amazing cook, with a gift of grilling and having the best chili in town. The greatest passion and joy was being surrounded by his family, especially on Sundays when Arlen knew the house would be full of family members. Arlen too relished his birthday, a day he proudly sported the infamous birthday crown!
Throughout life, Arlen was always loved and highly respected. He had this wonderful sense of humor. Arlen was a man with a big generous heart, who always had such a positive attitude. He was a fighter and determined, especially in his recent years with his illnesses.
The legacy of Arlen Sanford Carroll, now lives on in the hearts of his wife, Theresa; children, Anne Brahin, Tom (Shari) Carroll, Margo Clarke; grandchildren, Brooks Carroll, Scooter Carroll, Nicole Brahin, Megan Clarke, Molly Clarke; great granddaughter, Melody Carroll; step-children, Bob (Lynne) Harris, Brian (Ruth) Harris, Patrick (Theresa) Harris; step-grandchildren, Joshua Harris, Lauren Harris, Lindsey Harris, Jack Harris, Eleonor Harris, Zoe Harris, Sealah Harris, Deborah Harris; brother, Brooks (Shahrzad) Carroll; brother-in-law, Jack Craven; other relatives and friends.
There to welcome Arlen home were his parents, Robert and Vivian and sister, Suzanne Craven.
