Stuart Jay Karlin

Stuart Jay Karlin of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away December 24, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones, he was 59 years old.

Stuart was born February 21, 1964, in Fremont, Nebraska to Norman and Dorothy Karlin. He graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1982. He enlisted in the Air Force where he was a bomb ordinate disposal and heavy equipment operator.  He served 4 years in the Air Force where he earned Training Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.  He returned home to Missouri Valley where he started working with Aspen Tree Removal, he then worked for Suburban Propane for many years before starting at Longview Nursing Home where he was head of maintenance for 14 years, during that time he also started Karlin Hauling & Grading.  Stuart worked for the roads department for the City of Missouri Valley for 3 years.  He worked for the State of Iowa DOT for 13 years till present. 

Stuart met Phyllis in 1989 and united in marriage June 17, 1995. Together they had a son Clayton, he also shared a fathership role to Phyllis’ 3 children: Tracy, Heather, Joshua.

Stuart was very active in Boys Scouts and other areas of the community.  He was an active member of the Missouri Valley Legion.  He played many roles, from color guard, playing Taps at many funerals as well as calling BINGO at the county fair and other areas.  Stuart received many awards and acknowledgments throughout his life.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.  Stuart collected Petroliana signs as well as restoring antique petroliana.  Stuart liked target shooting and enjoyed hunting from time to time.  He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson trike through the Loess Hills with his wife.  Stuart was very popular at Karaoke events.  He sang many different songs, but his favorite was Johnny Cash.

Stuart loved hosting large family gatherings.  His family was very important to him, his grandchildren and great grandchildren kept him without a dull moment.  He and Phyllis enjoyed working on the landscaping in their yard, their hard work earned them Yard of the Month.  Stuart was a loving, hardworking husband, dad, grandpa, and he would help anyone who asked and even those who didn’t.  Stuart had many, many friends.

Stuart is survived by his wife Phyllis Karlin, sons; Clayton Karlin and Joshua Miller of Missouri Valley, Iowa, daughter Tracy Lawson of Logan, Iowa, brother Dan (Margaret) Karlin of Minnesota, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Stuart is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Dorothy Karlin, brother Dave Karlin, daughter Heather Wakehouse and grandson Gage Lawson.

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