Carl William Paisley, 70, of Albia, Iowa passed away after a brief illness in his home on October 3, 2023.
Carl was born in Waterloo Iowa on March 1st, 1953 to Wynona E. (Rich) and Dr. James W. Paisley. He was the middle of three children, older sister Sharon, and younger brother, Jim.
Before moving to Grinnell in 1958, the young family enjoyed being around cousins Rick, Mark, Danyce, and Lisa, children of James’s only sister, Marjorie (Zegarac ). Grandpa Floyd & grandma Fran Paisley were good friends with Carl and Viola Kirschbaum, and that’s who Carl is named after. The Paisleys and Kirschbaums all enjoyed many outings along the Cedar River near LaPort City, and the Mississippi River near Guttenberg. These modest family cabins were just big enough to shelter the outdoorsman and their adventurous kids. Carl’s love of nature had deep roots in these two early influencers. Grandpa Paisley could sit on the porch of the Cedar River cabin and call to the owls, and that hooting still echos in Carls abode, today.
Carl’s family moved to the country (Jasper County) in 1964. Here, he spent all of his time exploring everything Mother Nature has to offer. He loved to sample all of natures foods, and always tried to share its harvest with friends and markets that he knew. Morel mushrooms were a favorite! His mind loved learning about the universe, man kind, and was especially challenged by the Game of Chess.
After high school, he attended Field Artillery Basic Training in Ft. Riley KS, and ended his service in 1973. He started working with Jack Baumgartner Stadiums Unlimited, and quickly became the “Traffic Manager”, scheduling and overseeing the flow of orders in and out of the facility.
In April of ’79, Carl’s first marriage was to Vonnie Minnick. That was not a long relationship, and then he moved to Gillette Wyoming and started working in the oil fields. Here he met Robin (Lewis) Martwinski, and this relationship bore two sons, Christopher James and Colin William. Carl helped raise two step children, Allanya Martwinski (Frank) and Orion Martwinski. His outdoor activities continued at the Keyhole Reservoir and Bighorn Mountains near Gillette.
The family moved back to Iowa in ‘86. Victor Plastics Inc. (Jim Kubu and Jim Paisley) was in its early years, and Carl helped establish Quality Control Systems in their plastics manufacturing process.
The relationship with Robin ended, and in 1987, Carl married Kristie Fontinel of Victor IA. Carl and Kris moved to Webster City IA, where he worked for Webster City Products/Electrolux as a Quality Engineer. It was here in Webster City that his life took on the attributes of an an out of control process. He divorced Kris, married Constance Hunt, bought a house, had a son Michael , and lost it all as well as suffering a felony arrest.
Carl started rebuilding his life in Melrose MN with the help of Rick Heckimovich. He then moved to Roland IA working for Innovative Lighting, Hawkeye Molding (Jerry Handsaker), and later moved to Albia working at the Hawkeye Molding operation there.
Carl enjoyed his drink and the family of friends he shared this time with. He had a passion for pool, and participated in many of the local tournaments . He loved conversation, and was very good at pulling you in and presenting the next joke. I’ll always think of my esteemed Brother Carl when I hear that break of a good rack of pool balls…..
Carl is survived by his brother Jim (Lorna) Paisley of Sturgis, SD; his sons Chris of Webster City, Colin of Anchorage Alaska, and Michael(Noel) Paisley. Step Children Allaya (Martwinski) Frank and Orion Martwinski. Grandsons Justin of Anchorage AK; Tucker Gordon and Jacob Ewing in Webster Iowa. Niece Dr. Jennifer Paisley Young. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, and his sister Sharon(Olson).
A Memorial service for Carl will be held at the Albia Fraternal Order of Eagles at 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to: Audubon Society, Sinnott Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting Carl’s family with arrangements.
