Mary Lou (Milhan) Carnicle

Mary Lou Carnicle, 92, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Marieta’s Place in Manchester.  She was born on August 11, 1932, in Riceville, the daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Bunston) Milhan. Mary Lou was raised and educated in the area and was a 1951 graduate of Riceville High School. After graduation, Mary Lou worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids.

On June 3, 1962, Mary Lou was united in marriage to Gary “Badger” Carnicle. Three children were born to this union. Mary Lou moved to Edgewood after her marriage where she was a wonderful homemaker.  After Gary’s death in 1986 Mary Lou was a housekeeper at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She moved to Manchester in 2016 and attended Christ Community Church.

While Mary Lou lived in Edgewood, she was active in Trinity Methodist Church and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. It was lovingly known that her grandchildren could talk her into anything. Mary Lou was a bowler in the past and liked spending time with her friends and family.

Survivors include her three children, Rick (Beth) Carnicle of Manchester, Brenda (Pat) Sullivan and Sue Carnicle, both from Salina, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 24 years, Gary Carnicle; three sisters, Esther Shoger, Leona Arndt and Anna Mae Marvin; two brothers, Ralph and Harold Milhan.

Memorials can be made to Christ Community Church in Manchester or Trinity United Methodist Church in Edgewood.

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