Tribute & Message From The Family
Carl Edward Rouse, first child of Warren Albert Rouse and Ethel June Tisue Rouse, was born at the home of his maternal grandparents, Harry and Carrie Tisue, in Moravia, Iowa, on April 29, 1941. His family lived and farmed in the Hilton neighborhood of Monroe Township, Monroe County, Iowa, on land purchased in 1909 by his great grandfather, Lewis Cass Rouse. Carl attended the Fairview country school located just south of the Rouse home.
As a youngster Carl enjoyed family vacations to historic sites and visits to extended family. He accompanied his grandfather and father to farm auctions, explored the neighborhood with his Hilton pals, and prepared his calves for the 4-H County Fair. Carl helped his father on the farm, mowed the nearby My. Pleasant Cemetery for spending money, and grew up in a wholesome environment of family, church, community and school activities.
Carl graduated from Moravia High School in 1959 and attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College at Kirksville, Missouri. After one year, he transferred to the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa. During summers, he was employed at Willier Pharmacy in Centerville. After graduating as a pharmacist in 1964, Carl enrolled in graduate school in Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry at the University of Kansas.
While in Kansas, Carl married Linda Ward, a classmate from Moravia. They returned to Centerville where Carl was a pharmacist at Willier Pharmacy. The couple's first son, Ward (Sam) was born in Centerville. The family later moved to Leon, Iowa, Carl was employed at Young's Pharmacy, and son Jon (Matt) was born. Often family activities involved summer and weekend outings to the Ward family farm on Soap Creek in Appanoose County, or winter ski trips with friends. In 1973, Carl became a full-time student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines. The family moved to Saginaw, Michigan, for his internship at Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. In 1976, Dr. Rouse joined Dr. Loren C. Hermann and began practicing medicine in Chariton, Iowa.
Dr. Rouse became a partner at Decatur Medical Services in Leon in 1979, where he worked until returning to Centerville, first as an Emergency Room physician at Mercy Medical Center and later at Chariton Valley Medical Center. He practiced full time as a physician with Dr. Kathy Lange until diagnosed in July of 2012 with an intractable illness.
Dr. Rouse died on March 16, 2015 at Select Specialty Hospital in Des Moines at the age of 73. He is survived by his sisters, Martha Shepard of Albert Lea, Minnesota and Jean (Dennis) Spencer of Iowa City; his wife Linda; sons Ward of West Des Moines and Dr. Jon (Kim) of Ames, Iowa; four cherished grandchildren - Elias Edward Rouse, Ella Carolina Rouse, Ethan Kelley Rouse, and Cassandra Grace Rouse; extended family; beloved patients, and many, many valued coworkers and treasured friends.
The funeral service will be held at the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene in Moravia on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date. Following the service, everyone is invited to share lunch with family and friends at the Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Dr. Rouse may be given to the Mercy Foundation at Mercy Medical Center, Centerville. The family thanks each of you for your loving support throughout this difficult time. Lange Funeral Home and Crematory of Centerville has been entrusted with caring for the Rouse Family. Online condolences may be shared at www.langefh.com.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Linda. I am so sad to here of Carl's passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. You remember we went to SUI together and graduated and then went to KU. Carl was best man at my wedding. Maryanna and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this June. I am so sad, I truly admired Carl. I was one to never have lots of friends. I looked at Carl as the best friend I ever had and that is true to this day. Maryanna and I live in Blaine Minnesota. We are soon to move to Woodbury, Mn and live with my son and his wife, three children, and dog. I am 76 and have Chron's disease but I am doing well. I taught high school chemistry for 33 years and the 3 years of community college chemistry. We have 2 children and 5 grandchildren and we are all a close family.
Again my sincere condolences. Maryanna sends her love and wishes you the best.
Bob Claxton
Posted by
Robert Claxton - Blaine, MN - Friend April 23, 2016
Our condolences from pur family you your in this time of sorrow. Your family are all in our Prayers during this hard moment in your lives. Dr. Rouse was a very caring man. Always cared about his patients and would set and explain things in term where I could understand it insteadnof using all of the big word in medical terms, he will be missed by many.
Posted by
Beverly Caraccio - Centerville, IA - patient March 22, 2015
Thinking about you this morning and so hoped to be there with you. I just couldn't leave Kenneth at home alone with his Parkinson's its a problem. I am so sorry for your loss may God sustain you in your sorrow. If you ever need anything you have but to call me. Linda hope to be able to see you before too long I will be looking forward to that. I will have you in my prayers.
Posted by
Carol Irelan Crawford - Garden Grove, IA - cousin March 21, 2015
Matt, Linda and Sam I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Rouse's passing. He was always such a kind man and his smile just seemed to make you feel better. My fondest memory will always be when he told me I was pregnant with my son. Love and Prayers to you in the coming days. Bless you all.
Posted by
Tonya (Quick) Showers - Leon, IA - Former patient March 21, 2015
Linda, Sam and Matt.
With caring thoughts and sympathy for your family.
I am praying for peace and comfort at the loss of Carl.
May family, friends and fond memories give you strength
and comfort as you search for peace and understanding from God.
Carl will be missed by all-a very special man.
Ged Bless, Vicki Forret Russell
Posted by
Vicki Forret Russell - Osceola, Iowa, IA March 21, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed talking with Carl at family gathers and having conversations about sports. Carl was a very nice man. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Posted by
Teagan (Gay) Padget and Family - Bloomfield, IA - Friend March 20, 2015
Carl had the easiest going additude I have ever seen,always helpful and smiling.I always liked to see carl at family events,and was always friendly to me.i haven't seen him in a while,but I will surely miss him.
Posted by
kermit exline - seymour, IA - former nephew in law and freind March 20, 2015
Dr. Rouse was a very kind man with a gentle smile. He impacted the Leon community in such a way that his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. My condolences and prayers to Linda, Sam, Matt, and their families.
Posted by
Darcy Reynolds - Sioux CIty, IA - Former patient March 20, 2015
So very sorry for the loss of Dr Rouse. He was a dedicated and caring physician and gentleman. My family appreciated his care as their doctor and I enjoyed working with him at Decatur County Hospital. Our deepest condolences to Linda and the Rouse family.
Posted by
Bill & Allyson Reynolds - Decatur, IA March 20, 2015
My absolute favorite Dr. while growing up. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Posted by
Angie Kernen - Decatur, IA March 19, 2015
While growing up in Leon I preferred appointments with Dr. Rouse if at all possible. He was genuinely kind and compassionate. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by
Elizabeth Smith - Pleasanton, CA - Former Patient March 19, 2015
Linda and family,
Our love goes out to you and your family. Carl and you are very special to us with wonderful memories of 4-H days. Prayers to all of you. Chuck & Margaret Mordan
Posted by
Margaret Mordan - Albia, IA - friend March 19, 2015
Dr.Rouse will be missed.
Posted by
Chris Duerr - Leon, IA March 19, 2015
Dr. Rouse was a special man. He not only helped his patients with their medical conditions but also cared about them as individuals with individual needs beyond medical care. He was the best Dr. I ever had. He and his wife raised two wonderful sons.
Posted by
Linda Hanson Muxlow - Minneapolis, MN - former teacher/resident in Leon March 19, 2015
Dr Rouse was a genuinely nice person and wonderful Dr. He took care of my 4 kids and myself and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Posted by
Jill Cohoon-Atess - Ankeny, IA - Patient/family friend March 19, 2015
Dr. Rouse was a caring, compassionate doctor who treated his patients with dignity and respect. My condolences to all the family.
Posted by
Natalie Felkner - Centerville, IA - Patient March 19, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Dr. Rouse and seeing him as a patient. He was very kind. Sending prayers and thinking of his family. He will be missed.
Posted by
Shelly Greenland - Decatur City, IA - Friend, patient, coworker. March 19, 2015
So sorry for your loss, Carl was a great man.
Posted by
Danny Flummer - Gardner, KS March 19, 2015
My condolences to Linda, Sam,Matt and the rest of the Rouse family at this time of sorrow. Dr. Rouse was such a great,kind and thoughtful man. He will be missed.
Posted by
Val (Epps) Eide - Clive, IA March 19, 2015
Expressing Heart Felt prayers for Carl's family. Always a smile...He was a good man. Fond memories of him and is his family. Rest in Peace our Dear Friend.
Posted by
Lucretia Hamilton - Davis City - Friend March 19, 2015
Just an awsome family. Carl made alot of great memories with his family. Knowing the Rouses well has been a privilege!
Posted by
Jeff Lucas - norwalk, IA - friend March 19, 2015
My thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Posted by
Levida Wigal O'Neal - Bethany, MO - Friend March 19, 2015
i will always look up to you and miss you. my heart goes out to my other family the Rouse's.
Posted by
Larry Lucas - Indianola, IA - family friend March 19, 2015
My condolences to Linda, Sam and Matt. It's difficult to lose a man as kind and loving as Carl. I feel blessed to have known him.
Posted by
Denise Palmer Simmons - Leon, IA March 19, 2015
I'm so truly sorry to see this Obituary for Dr Rouse. He was such a wonderful Dr to me in my early years as a graduate Nurse He taught me so much and was always patient with me in learning new things. I still refer to his teaching when I speak to other nurses about my past experiences with Providers and will always cherish the memories of the Ole Leon Care days, and rounds with Dr Rouse. RIP .
Posted by
Laura (Fickes) Williams - Leon, IA - past nurse at Leon March 19, 2015
Many condolences to Dr. Rouses' family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted by
Emily Jennings-Naylor and family - Eugene, OR March 19, 2015
I am so so sorry for your loss. Hoping you find comfort in sweet memories.
Posted by
Patricia Timmens - Goatsburg March 19, 2015
Dr Rouse was a very special person and I am very glad I got to know him in the time I worked with him. He will be greatly missed by many.
Posted by
Kathy Reed - IA March 19, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family today.
Posted by
Shelley (Warren) Reed - Nevada, IA March 19, 2015
dr rouse was a wonderful person as a doctor and a friend .really sorry to hear of his passing.may god bless hes family.
Posted by
diona crowder - centerville, IA - patient March 18, 2015
My sympathy goes out to Linda and the family at the time of Carl's passing. My prayers are with you
Posted by
Marie main - centerville, IA - acquaintance March 18, 2015
So sorry to learn of Carl's passing. May God surround all of Carl's family with his loving and protective arms.
Posted by
Lou Ellen (Rowley) Swinney - Del Rio, TX - Cousin March 18, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to Linda, Sam, Matt, and the entire family of Carl. It is never easy to let them go but God has a bigger and better plan. Please find comfort as you share all the beautiful memories of Carl.
Posted by
Linda Boothe - Davis City, IA - Friend March 18, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
Posted by
nellie thomas - Centerville, IA March 18, 2015
Dr. Rouse was such a nice man. He was wonderful to my daughter, Jessie and my granddaughters. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle touch. My condolences to Linda and the rest of the family.
Posted by
Jane Craver - Cincinnati, IA March 18, 2015
My heart goes out to Linda and all the family. He will be greatly missed he was a wonderful and caring person and a great doctor who was my family's doctor for several years and i have missed him being our doctor. My prayers are with the family.
Posted by
Shyrel Hermon - Centerville, IA - he used to be my family doctor March 18, 2015
We extend our condolences to Linda, Sam, Matt and family on the loss of Carl. We will remember him fondly for his kindness and devotion to his family. We pray for peace and comfort for you.
Love, Pat & Teresa Greenwood & Family
Posted by
Pat & Teresa Greenwood - Lamoni, IA - Family friends March 18, 2015
To the family,sorry for your loss,I really enjoyed his sense of humor even if you were sick he could make you smile.
Posted by
Mary Shondel - Centerville, IA - patient March 17, 2015
