Dixie Rose Carder, age 72, of Bloomfield, IA passed away on September 4, 2025 at the EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on December 17, 1952 in Iowa City to Alvin and Ruth Eklofe and lived a rich life full of family and love.

Dixie was born surrounded by family and it continued to be her greatest love in life. The fourteenth child of twenty, she joined an active world of sibling rivalry, mischief, and joy. Dixie spent many childhood years running rampant around the family farm. Childhood play included cops and robbers, playing golf with walnuts and picket fence slats (for which her father became very angry), making rope swings by cutting hay bale ropes in the barn (for which her father became very angry again), and all types of adolescent bedlam. As a teenager, she worked multiple jobs, rode motorcycles and horses with her sister Noni, and defied death many times due to accidents and youthful activity. She was always a fierce friend and sister, fighting for what she believed in and standing up for others in need (even if it ended up with her having a broken hand).

She married Dennis Carder in March of 1973 and spent 17 years as a military wife traveling across the country and globe. Throughout their marriage she lived in Texas, Carter Lake, IA; Waldmore, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; Washington D.C.; and Niagara Falls, NY. Her daughter Regina was born in Belton, Texas on February 24, 1976 and her daughter Angela was born in Fort Belvoir, VA on April 21, 1985. Dixie returned to Iowa in 1990 where she lived in Agency and then Ottumwa, working at the Ottumwa Wal-Mart for 28 years. She was a hard worker; dedicated, friendly, and strong; and she brought smiles to many co-workers and customers. She retired from Wal-Mart in 2018 and moved to Waukee, IA where she lived with her daughter Angela and helped care for her grandchildren Tobias and Aubriana for three years, after which she lived in Hedrick and then Bloomfield. Above all, Dixie was a devoted mother and grandmother, always putting her children’s and grandchildren’s needs above her own. She spoiled her grandchildren with McDonald’s, shopping outings, and snuggles. She was the biggest fan, cheering on her children and grandchildren at graduations, performances, gymnastics tournaments, dance recitals, soccer and t-ball games, book events, and many other joyous milestones. Her presence is irreplaceable and she will be dearly missed.

Dixie’s biggest joy in life was her family. She is survived by many loved ones including her daughters Regina (Daniel) Sedore and Angela (Jeremy) Youngers, five grandchildren (Hunter, Hannah, and Hayden Sedore; Tobias and Aubriana Youngers), siblings Larry Eklofe, Violet Zook, Marlene (Darrell) Black, Bob (Linda ) Eklofe, Marlin Eklofe, Delna Eklofe, Leona (Darrell) Swope, Colleen Conger, Chuck (Cheryl) Eklofe, Tina Eklofe, Rick (Joy) Eklofe, Bonnie (David) Kopsieker, Loretta (Willie) Messerschmitt, and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dixie was preceded in death by her father Alvin Eklofe, mother Ruth Eklofe, and siblings Maryann Knotts, Sandra Bloomquist, Jerry Eklofe, Joe Eklofe, Sam Eklofe, and Gary Eklofe.

A celebration of Dixie’s life will be held on October 4 at the KD Center in Eldon, IA from 1-4 PM.

Any memorials or donations can be made to her daughters who will divide up funds to be split between the EveryStep Kavanagh House and the Heartland Humane Society. 

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