Reverend Thomas Carpe Obituary

Reverend Thomas John Carpe died April 15, 2025, at home in Des Moines, Iowa. Tom was born September 7, 1941, in Des Moines, IA. After graduating from the University of Iowa he earned a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary. He began service as a Disciples of Christ minister in Greencastle, IN and served congregations in Iowa including Laurens, Exira, Ankeny, Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Cedar Rapids. After serving as a long term care administrator for fifteen years, he returned to his love of serving God and his community as a minister until his retirement.

Tom shared over sixty years with his wife and best friend Rosella whom he married in 1964. They loved traveling including hiking Italian coasts, zip lining, luging, and climbing onto glaciers in their retirement. Together they lovingly raised two daughters who they took on most of their adventures and reveled in their five grandchildren.

Family meant everything to Tom. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his wise and funny sermons, readings of The Monster at the End of this Book, and the legacy of love he and Rosella created with their family. In his final wishes he wrote, "My roots are not deep any place except in the Kingdom of God. My life and my ministry point to God and his will I hope. In all of this my trust is in the name of the Lord who did create me and who has now called me to be with him in love.”

Tom is survived by his wife Rosella (Nelson) Carpe, daughters Jenniffer Carpe (Tom Fast) and Joanna Carpe (Ed Piasecki) and grandchildren Sam, Jacob, Hannah, Jacqueline and Ella.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Iris (Patterson) Carpe, his brother Rev. Dr. William Carpe and sister Sharon Carpe.

The family wishes to thank Unity Point Hospice for their incredible support.

A private memorial is planned.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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