Kurt Richard Carroll

In Loving Memory of Kurt Richard Carroll
August 27, 1951 – April 18, 2025

At 73, Kurt Richard Carroll passed away peacefully at home in Poway, CA, early on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 1:18 AM. He was surrounded by the love of his family after bravely battling cancer.

Born on August 27, 1951, in Chicago, IL, to Thomas Benjamin Carroll and Ruth Hazel Carroll (née Kluge), Kurt lived a full and accomplished life. At the young age of 18, he was drafted by the Washington Senators, marking the beginning of a promising baseball journey. While life’s path led him in different directions, his passion and dedication remained unwavering. He later founded ‘Kurt’s Painting Services,’ a successful enterprise that became a cornerstone of the greater Chicagoland community. For Kurt, his company was more than a profession—it embodied his character: dependable, skilled, and devoted to serving others with pride and integrity.

Above all, Kurt’s proudest achievement was his family—the cornerstone of his life and the enduring legacy of love he leaves behind. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Lana Lee Carroll (née Opyt). Together, they built a family rooted in love, laughter, strength, and resilience.

He is lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren, who each brought immense joy and light into his life:
– His son John Carroll of Alpine, CA, with wife Alex, and their sons Justin and Ryan
– His son Richard Carroll of Ramona, CA, with wife Lynn, and their sons Andrew and Dylan
– His daughter Michele Barrow of Poway, CA, with husband Daniel, and their daughter
    Daniele and son Zachary
– His daughter Rachel Carroll of Poway, CA, and her daughter Meridian

Kurt is predeceased by his parents, sister Rosanne Kaupas and brother Thomas Carroll.  He also leaves behind his brother Keith Carroll, sister-in-law Christine, and a large extended family who brought him joy: brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Fred Kaupas, Larry and Laura Mazurkiewicz, Linda and John Kiraly, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends whose lives were forever touched by his kindness.

Kurt was a man of great strength and character who valued hard work, family, and the simple joys of life. He will be remembered for his warm smile, his love for surprising others, a good story, and the way he could light up a room with his presence. His legacy lives on through the many lives he inspired and the family he loved so dearly.

A celebration of Kurt’s life was held at his home in Poway, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart.  

Kurt will be missed more than words can measure and forever cherished.

Remembrance Reading

Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free

I am following the path he laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that peace at close of day

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship share, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things I too shall miss

Be not burdened with time or sorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your hearts and share with me

He wanted me now

He set me free

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