Carl Stephen Crouse

Carl Stephen Crouse, 38, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his home in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, on December 7, 1986, Carl was the beloved son of Stephen and Carlene (Hanson) Crouse. He grew up in Cedar Falls, graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 2005. Carl went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Coaching from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in 2010, and later achieved his Master's degree in Kinesiology from UNI in 2015.

From a young age, Carl embodied dedication and perseverance, traits that led him to earn the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. His passion for fitness and coaching shaped his career as a strength and conditioning coach, at Concordia College and most recently, with the UNI track team. He took immense pride in his work, the athletes he coached, and their accomplishments, both individual and as a team. In addition to his work as a strength and conditioning coach, Carl also worked at Kryton Engineered Metals for many years.

Beyond coaching, Carl found joy in the simple things. He loved to lift weights, and was an excellent cook who enjoyed making dishes from scratch. Carl also loved spending time at the gun range with his dad and was known for his exceptional aim and accuracy. Carl cherished his family and friends and loved being an uncle.  His willingness to do all the small things with and for his nephews simply to make them happy is the essence of who Carl was.

Carl's legacy of strength, passion, and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched. Most of all, Carl loved Jesus, and he loved to tell others about Him.

Carl is survived by his parents, Stephen and Carlene Crouse; two sisters, Stephanie (Jasen) Key and Victoria Crouse; two nephews, Brodey and Chance Key; Thresa "Terry" Burds (Stephen's partner); Michael George (Victoria's partner); six aunts and uncles; and his cherished cat, Mia. Carl was preceded in death by his grandparents, Glenn and Doris Crouse, and Carl and Winifred Hanson.

A celebration of life will be held from 4-7pm, Saturday, July 26th at the UNI McLeod Center Alumni Suite. In lieu of flowers, Carl's family has established the "Carl S. Crouse Memorial Fund" to help future UNI students. Memorial gifts may be made through the UNI Alumni Association and Foundation website. Select your donation amount, fill in the remaining required fields, and enter a form of payment. Memorials may also be sent to the University of Northern Iowa, payable to the UNI Foundation, with Carl S. Crouse Memorial Fund in the memo field and mailed to: University of Northern Iowa Foundation, 121 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA  50614-0239.

Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.