Robert Leo Carney

Robert Leo Carney, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

A 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary will be said at 3:00 p.m., followed by a scriptural wake service on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa; the family will greet friends from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Newman Catholic School, Epiphany Parish or St. Patrick Catholic Church.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9^th Ave South, Clear Lake, Iowa; with Rev. Josh Link officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa.

Robert “Bob” Carney was born on July 4, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, to Leo P. and Viola (Balik) Carney. He graduated from Holy Family High School with the Class of 1957 and continued his education at Mason City Junior College and the State College of Iowa (UNI).

Bob devoted his life to education. He taught industrial arts at Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Mason City Public Schools, and later at North Iowa Area Community College. In 1981, he was honored with the Iowa Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year Award and also served as Chair of the Industrial Arts Department. In 1990, he expanded his teaching expertise into HVAC, and later opened his own business, A+ Climate Control.

While teaching in Mason City, Bob met Kathleen “Kathy” Murphy. They were united in marriage on August 3, 1968, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Manson, Iowa. Together they were blessed with four children: Kevin, Erin, Bridget, and Courtney.

Bob was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a Past Grand Knight and Fourth Degree Knight. In addition, he gave generously of his time through service on the church council, the Newman Catholic School Board, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

In his free time, Bob enjoyed restoring cars and trucks and collecting model trains. He and Kathy especially enjoyed traveling together by Amtrak to Colorado, Washington, D.C., and California. Above all, Bob cherished time with his family, and some of his fondest memories were made camping with his children.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Carney of Cedar Rapids; his children, Kevin (Kari) Carney of Norwalk, IA; Erin (Christopher) Meyer of Cedar Rapids, IA; Bridget (Bradley) Lemker of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Courtney (Gary) Matt of Van Meter, IA; grandchildren, Ellie, Megan and Jaclyn Meyer, Evan and Josef Lemker, Norah, Abigail, Charlie, and Jude Matt; his sister, Mary Ann (Larry) Thompson of Glenwood Springs, CO; his nephews, niece, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Viola Carney; his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick (Toni) Carney; sister, Marcella Poole; and his grandson, Nolan Michael Meyer.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193

www.colonialchapels.com