Harold Eugene Carroll

Harold E. "Gene" Carroll, age 83, of Shorewood, IL passed away peacefully at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home on June 28, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Gene was the oldest of three children born in Amboy, IL to Harold and Georgia (Longman) Carroll on September 21, 1932. He was married to Frances Morrissey on September 3, 1956 at St. Patrick Church in Amboy, IL. Gene was a graduate of Amboy High School and attended Marquette University in Wisconsin before he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Sergeant First Class Carroll received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Korea. After returning home from the service, Gene went to work with his father and uncle at Friendly Motors in Amboy. He also attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. Soon after, he began a distinguished career at State Farm and held numerous auto claims positions that spanned nearly 40 years. Gene was a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood. Prior to this, he was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Romeoville where he served as school board president for several years as well as being a member of various organizations in the church. Additionally, he served on the Romeoville Recreation and the Mosquito Abatement Boards. Gene was especially proud of his 60 year membership in the American Legion. Gene and Frances continued their involvement in their nine children's Catholic education through St. Andrew's School, Joliet Catholic, St. Francis Academy and Joliet Catholic Academy with Jubilation being one of their favorite fundraising events. The most important things in Gene's life were love of God, love of his wife and family, and love of his country. He instilled in all of his family the beautiful legacy of holiday traditions such as cooking and baking which he so dearly loved. Gene enjoyed many family gatherings at Dry Gulch, a cabin in the family for over 45 years in Amboy. He was a die-hard Cub fan and eternally hopeful that his favorite baseball team would make it to the World Series. Gene was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling to Leech Lake, MN with his wife and family. He took great pride in his garden and beautification of his home. During his retirement years, he loved spending time with his wife and enjoying the activities and achievements of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Up to his final moments, his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grand children were at his side. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia and Harold Carroll; niece, Tracy Mihm; son-in-law, Steven Prehn and numerous beloved relatives. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances and nine children, Stephanie (Mark) Mastrogiovanni of Naperville; Kathleen Carroll of Shorewood; Ann (Steven/deceased) Prehn of Shorewood; Susan (John) Harrison of Shorewood; Michael (Gayle) Carroll of Bakersfield, CA; Mary (Brett) Dyche of Ottawa, IL; Patrick (Valarie) Carroll of Minooka; Jennifer (Michael) Jones of Joliet; Mark (Andrea) Carroll of North Aurora; Special foster child, Renee Ravenot. In addition, Gene is survived by 24 grandchildren: Adam (Joanna) Mastrogiovanni, Melissa (Zach) Dyrda; Kelly (Thomas) White, Patrick and Christopher Prehn; Grant and Meghan Harrison; Allison (Matt) Butin, Eric and Sean Carroll; Justin, Elizabeth, Katherine, Zachary and Natalie Dyche; Jake Pesevento, Collin Fleming, Ella and Mia Carroll; Ryan and Geena Jones; Jack, Samuel and William Carroll. Also survived by six great-grandchildren: Mikayla Pamal, Katie Mastrogiovanni, Lucas Dyrda; Kiersten, Charlotte and Maura White. Gene is also survived by his loving brother, Donald (Lee) Carroll of Genoa, IL and beloved sister, Nancy (Dr.Martin) Mihm of Sarasota, FL. He will be fondly remembered by his many Carroll/Dickinson/Morrissey relatives and numerous friends. Special acknowledgements are noted for Gene's devoted caregivers and compassionate staff from Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Alden Estates of Naperville, Advantage Home Health, and Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 3-8 p.m. with rosary at 7:30 p.m., at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, 303 E. Main Street, Amboy, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 32 N. Jones Avenue, Amboy, Illinois, with the Rev. Timothy Draper officiating. Visitation will also be in the church from 9-11 a.m. prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with full military honors by the Amboy American Legion in Amboy. Gene was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. His presence and love of life left a profound impact on those who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed but will live forever in all of our hearts. Memorials in Gene's memory will be established by the family.

Harold Eugene Carroll

September 21, 1932 - June 28, 2016