Carl E. Yerington
June 4, 1939 - August 19, 2025
Carl E. Yerington, 86, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity Muscatine.
Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 until 2 p.m., at the Fruitland Community Center. Memorials may be made to the family, in care of Debbie. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Carl was born on June 4, 1939, the son of Guy Webster Yerington and Laura Lucielle Harris. He was one of three siblings. Carl spent most of his life living in Muscatine.
Carl graduated from High School in 1957. He built go carts and served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. After his service, he returned to Muscatine, becoming a lieutenant for the Muscatine Police Force. He earned the nickname ‘Club’ after all the bar fights that he broke up and his C.B. name was Muldoon. He married his first wife, Doris Morrison, on June 14th, 1962, and they had three children, Brian, Diana, and Eric. They would later divorce. He then met the love of his life, Deborah Frisbie O’Brien, during a competition to win a car. His oldest son Brian and Debbie were competing against each other. Both lost, but the seed of love was planted. They started dating and married on November 20, 1981 and Carl gained two bonus sons, Stan and Russell O’Brien.
Carl loved contests. He would send in entries, which he often won. He won a motorcycle trip to Europe, where he and Debbie rode the Alps for two weeks. He loved to travel with his wife and kids taking trips all over the U.S. A man of many talents, he could spell almost anything, like he was a walking dictionary. He was a member of Muscatine Toastmasters and always said public speaking was not an issue, just go up confident and know what you are talking about, and people will believe you. He was a defensive driving, driver improvement, and motorcycle instructor; even teaching his daughter-in-law after her third ticket how to become a better driver. He was a hypnotist, helping many to stop smoking and drinking. He was an entertainer even getting up on stage at the showboat, Branson Belle, it was hilarious. He dreamed of taking his skills of hypnotism and doing a show, sadly that never happened.
After Carl’s retirement from the police force, Russell got sick and spent over a year in the hospital. Every day Carl drove Debbie to Iowa City, Waterloo, and Davenport, and eventually became Russell’s primary caretaker. He did more than anyone else ever would for a child that was not biologically his. At this time, he was no longer stepdad, but dad to his two bonus kids. Now they had two dads. After he was no longer needed to be a caregiver, he went to work for Musca Bus, driving for them for 26 years. In total, he gave 52 years of his life to the citizens of Muscatine. Not sure if that is a record but has to be close. He loved to ride motorcycles, bicycles, and do Volksmarches (walking).
He was a great husband doing most of the cooking and even delivered Avon for Debbie. He loved to read almost anything that he could get his hands on and had many books. He worked for the blood center delivering donated blood. He was also an avid blood donor giving over 26 gallons of blood. The last few years his body started giving up and when he could no longer be the caregiver, Debbie became his. They had Tuesday Olive Garden dates with their favorite server, Audie. She holds a special place in their hearts. They enjoyed shopping trips to Crowded Closet, and they saw almost every movie that came out. Carl did the coffee club at McDonalds with some great friends. He also enjoyed Friday coffee with Diana. He had many great friends in life including Grant Pickering, Brian Garrett, Crazy Ray, Andy, Tom and too many more to list. That made his life full. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, telling stories, family card nights, and games at Fruitland Community Center with senior citizens. He also loved his dog, Phoebe, who enjoyed the many treats he gave her.
He had a love of God and his Son, Jesus. He went to Four Square Church for many years and at end of life, Walnut Park Baptist. He was saved by the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all our sins on the cross. He had no doubt that Heaven is where he is going. He is now without pain, has his memories restored, and is celebrating with the Lord. Until we meet again, we all love and miss you, Carl. You were a truly special man.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Brian (Ping) Yerington, Diana Yerington Serpen, Eric Yerington, Stan (Angie) O’Brien, and Russell (Teisha) O’Brien; mother in law, Kathie Frisbie; his sister, Barb Schultz; brother-in-laws, Brian, Brad, Kevin, Steve Frisbie, Clifford and Randy Krueger; grandkids, Looney (Ashley) O’Brien, Bethany (Justen) Sharp, Madison (Santana) Espinoza, Harold (Savannah) O’Brien, Bradley O’Brien, Crystale O’Brien, Jon O’Brien, Bella O’Brien, Zach O’Brien, Jacori Yerington, Tristen Yerington, David Yerington, Jennifer (Nathan) Baker, Alex Jorissen, Joshua Pardie, Jason (Christina) Pardie, Eren Serpen, Shelby O’Brien, and Izzy O’Brien; great grandkids, Xeyndren, Xavier, Xailey, Brynlee, Cohen, Ryland, Amberlynn, Adalynn, Myla, Ivyanna, Eleanor, Stanford, Willow, Briar, Daisy, Rece, Claire, and Scarlett;
Carl is preceded in death by his parents and stepparents, sister, Judy Kaul, his mother-in-law, Darlene Krueger, father-in-law, Russell Frisbie, and brother in laws, Ronald and Donald Frisbie.
