Jeffrey Craig Carow was born on March 13, 1954, to Esther and Chuck Carow. Raised alongside two beloved brothers, Jeff grew up in New Richmond, a town that remained close to his heart. His summers were spent fishing on the Willow River and playing baseball, while his falls were devoted to hunting and football.
A 1972 graduate of New Richmond High School, Jeff met Debi Harp at a New Richmond vs River Falls basketball game. Jeff and Debi were married in January 1975, and their union spanned 50 years. They were blessed with two children and, eventually, four grandchildren, whom he doted on. Dogs were a constant presence throughout their life together, and Jeff held a particular love for English Springer Spaniels.
While working full-time as a night janitor in the New Richmond School District, Jeff attended classes at UW–River Falls during the day — often asking his father to bring Cloudy by during his breaks. He graduated in November 1981 with a degree in speech therapy and special education, but budget cuts redirected him into the business world. He never looked back.
Jeff’s business career carried him through roles with Elvin Safety, Midland Rochester, and Philips Lighting, where he spent 25 years. In his prime, he was a skilled and dedicated handyman, building the family’s entire deck and the addition to their home on East Maple Street.
As a father, Jeff was patient and generous, showering his children with love and attention. Local haunts included Hardee’s, lunch at Bo’s n Mine, and an afternoon at Perkins for a bottomless diet soda, no ice. He was a devoted presence on the baseball field, faithfully hitting fly balls and grounders to his boys at Greenwood Fields every Saturday and Sunday. Jeff loved to golf, but as health challenges set in, he turned his attention to fishing instead. A lifelong reader, he held a deep love of history and theology.
Later in life, Jeff was blessed with a fishing boat, which he put to excellent use patrolling the waters of western Wisconsin — most often the Willow River. He and Debi lived in a wonderful neighborhood, one where neighbors truly looked out for one another. An unabashed night owl, he could often be seen by neighbors reading his Bible and studying late into the night on his deck.
The most significant change in Jeff’s life was being born again in faith through Jesus Christ, a transformation nurtured through his business relationships at Voss Lighting. He loved the community at First Covenant Church in River Falls, where he worshiped and served in Bible study and leadership ministry.
Diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2024, Jeff underwent successful surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Though the surgery was a success, his recovery took a significant toll. Debi suddenly passed away on June 20, 2025, and Jeff missed her every day that followed.
Christian, husband, father, and grandfather — Jeff passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 3, 2026, at the age of 72, with his sons Brett and Nick at his side.
Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved bride, Debi; his parents, Esther and Chuck Carow; and his brother, David Carow. He is survived by his brothers, John (Pat) Carow and Jim (Mary) Carow; his sons, Brett (Carisa) and Nick (Casie); and his grandchildren, Grace, Meredith, Lorelei, and Jackson.
Jeff requested consideration of gifts and donations to be made to his church, First Covenant of River Falls, WI. https://www.rfcov.org/online-giving/ Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 at the First Covenant Church (1374 N. Main St., River Falls WI.) Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St., River Falls, WI) and on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
