Dennis “Denny” Patrick Carrow, 67, passed away at 11:47 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at home with his family by his side, after a seven-year battle with thyroid cancer. Even in his final days, his humor never faded, and his focus remained on taking care of his family. He was born on October 13, 1957, in Alton, IL., the son of Dr. James and June (Crowley) Carrow.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton and graduated from Marquette Catholic High School. He worked for Metro Supply and Equipment Company for 46 years where he enjoyed serving his customers and the community.
Denny married Linda Stemm on September 26, 1987.
Denny was best described as hardworking and capable. He said in his final days that his fondest memories in life were of making life fun for his kids as they grew up. He attended every game, ceremony, and threw countless baseballs with his son. He enjoyed fishing, baking and cooking, growing tomatoes, home projects, and golfing--recounting his hole-in-one often. He never met a stranger, always ready to share a joke and a laugh with anyone who crossed his path.
Along with his wife, Denny is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth “Betsie” Carrow of Minneapolis, MN, Erica (Dr. Matthew) Haarmann of St. Louis, MO, Ellen “Ellie” (Caleb) Cone of St. Louis, MO; a son, John “Jack” Carrow of St. Louis, MO; two granddaughters, Charlotte and Alice Vielguth and a third grandchild on the way, who he was so looking forward to meeting; seven siblings, Dr. Christopher (Caren) Carrow, Ellen (Dr. William) Heintz, Dr. Martin (Linda) Carrow, Margaret (Mike) Kopsie, Ann Jamieson, John (Dana) Carrow, and Genna (Sam) Adams; his stepmother, Carolyn Peters Carrow; four brothers-in-law, Sam (Frank) Stemm, Jay Stemm, Scott (Jennie) Stemm, Dan (Liz) Stemm; and one sister-in-law, Ann Stemm Seibold; along with 39 nieces and nephews, extended family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and June Carrow; his brother Timmy Carrow; and his parents-in-law, Gerald and Bonnie Stemm.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, Illinois.
A memorial mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton.
Inurnment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.
