Mr. Carey Phillip Ballou, age 74, of Exira, IA, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home in Exira.
Carey Philip Ballou was born on October 11th, 1951, in Caroll, Iowa, to Francis and Margaret (Thielen) Ballou. He grew up in Exira, Iowa, on the family farm and participated in 4-H, played trumpet in the band, and sang in the school choir. After graduating from Exira High School in 1969, he spent the next 17 years driving trucks for several delivery companies in the area. He married Patricia (Patty) Nordby on December 17th, 1984, and lived in Exira, where they raised his two stepsons, Clint and Rob, and welcomed a son, Colt. Carey began working at the Exira Care Center in 1987, doing maintenance work, snow removal, and lawn care; a job he enjoyed doing even after retirement.
Carey was also a volunteer for the Exira Fire Department for an incredible 41 years and assisted with lining up the annual Exira 4th of July parade for many years. After his father’s passing, Carey became the head of the Parade Committee. His many hobbies included farming and tinkering with machines in his many workspaces. He will be remembered for his infectious laughter and his kindness
Carey was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Patty; his son, Colt (Taylor) Ballou; his stepsons, Clint Jessen and Rob (DeeDee) Jessen; his grandchildren, Taylor Jessen; Levi Jessen; and Haylee Rasmussen; his siblings, John (Diana) Ballou, Dennis (Marlene) Ballou, Joyette (Kevin) Henry; Sharen (Ed) Rathbun; Mary (Bill) Bontrager; and Judith (Denny) Nielsen; and many nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 03, 2026, at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, IA. A reception will follow the memorial service in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Public visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Memorials may be directed to the Ballou Family, to be designated at a later date. May be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.
Arrangements are entrusted with the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.
