Carol Louise Rodgers Iwan
Carol Louise Iwan, 83, passed away on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Carol was born on April 3, 1943, in Murdo, SD, to Gilbert and Jessie Rodgers.
Carol grew up in the Belvidere, SD area, where she attended and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1961. During her school years, she was honored as Homecoming Queen and received awards for her typing skills, accomplishments she was very proud of. She also treasured being a sister and enjoyed keeping close relationships with her siblings throughout her life.
On July 15, 1961, she married the love of her life, Darrell Iwan. Together they built a life centered around love, hard work, family, and faith. They were blessed with two children, Reba and Clinton. Carol was a dedicated ranch wife alongside Darrell in the Belvidere and Ft. Pierre, SD areas. In 1970, Carol and Darrell made their home in Belvidere, where she worked as a cook at the local diner before beginning a long career in the tourism industry working for Glen and Lucy Freeman at the KOA, as well as at the H & H Restaurant and Hotel in Kadoka, SD. In 1981, Carol joined Darrell in his work on the railroad, traveling and working throughout the western United States together.
In 1997, Carol and Darrell moved to Deadwood, SD, where Carol eventually returned to work at the local hospital in the dietary and environmental services departments. Her strong work ethic and dedication carried her through a lifetime of service to others, and she finally retired again at the age of 75. In 2019, Carol and Darrell relocated to Gillette, WY, to be closer to family.
Carol was one of the hardest workers you could ever know. She carried incredible strength through every season of life and always put her family and friends before herself. Whether it was through a warm meal, a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply showing up when someone needed her, Carol made the people around her feel deeply loved and cared for. She was also known as an incredible cook who could whip up a delicious meal out of almost nothing, making everyone feel at home around her table.
She found joy in quilting, crocheting, knitting, baking, and gardening, creating countless handmade treasures for those she loved. More than anything, she cherished spending time with her family and friends. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and love. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, generosity, and the unwavering love she had for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Reba (Owen) Lindblom of Gillette, WY; son, Clinton (Deanette) Iwan of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Laura (Travis) Bourne, Sarah James (John Parks), Grant Lindblom (Jeremy Franklin), Tanya Tatman, and Rachel Brandt; great-grandchildren Thomas, Daniel, Lainah, Lucas, Lucy, Natasha, Loralei, and Autumn; siblings Richard Rodgers, John Rodgers, Lana Sherburn, Darlene Schnee, Diana Coller, and Gilbert Rodgers; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Iwan; her parents, Gilbert and Jessie Rodgers; and her brother, Merrin Rodgers.
Pallbearers will be Grant Lindblom, Jeremy Franklin, Travis Bourne, John Parks, Lucas James, Thomas Bourne, Daniel Bourne and Lucy James. Honorary pallbearers are Laura Bourne, Sarah James, Tanya Tatman, and Lainah Lindblom.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Gillette, WY, light refreshments to follow the service. Viewing will take place one hour prior to service. Burial and interment will take place Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.
Carol’s love and presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created and the lives she touched will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.
