Much love to the family. Carma Lou's knowledge, advice, fantastic wit, generosity, kindness and friendship will be greatly missed.

Amy S
January 5, 2021

Carma Lou was my friend for many years starting with my meeting her at Sorden's Music in Ottumwa. When I came to Cedar Rapids she made sure I became a part of the Follies family. She said it was an honor to have her on my dinner party list because she didn't have to play. I shall miss you dear lady. Brian S, Anderson

Brian S Anderson
January 5, 2021

Sad to hear of Carma Lou’s passing. She was truly a musical force in this community. Sincere sympathy to her family and loved ones. RIP.

Bette Eells
January 5, 2021

So sad to hear we lost Carma Lou. She was truly musically talented and a wonderful human being. Prayers to her family. I took keyboard lessons from Carma Lou many years ago and learned a great deal from her. She will be missed in our community. God Bless

Jerry Sherman
January 5, 2021

Carma Lou was a household name to most growing-up in Eastern Iowa. One of my earliest memories of her was when she delivered a donated piano to Camp Courageous...oh how the campers loved that piano! We went on to work on many projects...along with having many meals at the Spring House with Tait & Dottie Cummins, along with many of the old WMT radio & tv gang, all filled with laughter and great stories. Enjoyed working with her on the Jim McDonough Concerts...she was a constant promoter. She has left a wonderful legacy in the lives of many ...

Charlie Becker
January 6, 2021

Though I only knew her the last eleven years of her life, I was completely blessed by her wit, humor, knowledge, honesty, wisdom, musicianship, and friendship. To say there will be a huge void in my heart and in the hearts of many is an understatement. Her support and concern for me and many others will never be forgotten. She is playing that piano in Heaven for sure. God bless her family and May we treasure the memories made. Love you C Lou!!!

Cameron Sullenberger
January 6, 2021

I was very sad to read of Carma Lou's passing. My son was involved with Follies for several years, and we were awed by how this famous name in Cedar Rapids could be so nice to us. As a member of the band at the Lighthouse, we will miss her occasional visits to cheer us on.

Craig Wood
January 6, 2021

Carma Lou was truly a force to be reckoned with, all business and all heart. She steered Follies business to Center Stage when we really needed it, and she was always willing to provide solid business advice. I came very close to moving Center Stage to her former 42nd Street building. I remember saying to one of my employees how fun it would be to be next door neighbors with the famous Carma Lou! The move didn't happen (to that location) but she and I chatted on occasion through the years. She was a joyful inspiration to me and many others, with such an impact on the arts throughout Iowa.

Jim Miller
January 6, 2021

I took piano lessons from Carma Lou for more than 10 years. I considered her a good friend, as well as a great teacher. She was one of a kind. I will miss her very much.

Becky Johnson
January 7, 2021

Carma Lou was a very dear friend since the late 60's. She was a wonderful woman with immense knowledge in many areas. I still own guitars purchased from her for professional music. Heaven is now blessed with one of the best organists ever. You will be missed Carma Lou. Condolences to the family.

Mark Kelchen
January 8, 2021

Deepest Condolences to the Carma Lou family. We bought our first and only piano from Carma Lou shortly after my brother's passing. The day the piano was delivered to our home she offered to play it for a small celebration of life gathering of friends and family. A very positive and wonderful lady!

Brandt & Sandy Worley
January 9, 2021

I grew up watching Carma Lou's House of Music commercials. But my (now 13yo) son is the one that met & loved Carma Lou. They were friends at church for many years. She was so kind & caring towards him, keeping his gift of a seashell on her organ for years. He will miss her. But I'm so glad they had the opportunity to become friends. You will be missed, Carma Lou.

Tiana Hoovik
January 9, 2021

I met Carma Lou when she took me on as a student to learn to play the piano 4 years ago, needless to say I was greatly intimidated by her knowledge and talent in the music world. A few months into this I realized I had the best teacher anyone could ever have, she made the lessons fun and challenging at the same time. I will miss her greatly but I will never forget what she taught me. Her memory lives on with every song I played for her and will keep on playing. Rest In Peace my very dear friend.

Ann Schmitt
January 9, 2021

So sorry for the loss of Carma Lou. I had the privilege of singing with her on many occasions over the years. She was always professional and a pleasure to work with. My sympathy to her family.

Don Quijano
January 12, 2021

Carma Lou was our dear friend at Noelridge Church where she inspired us every Sunday with her music. Her organ music prepared us for worship and brought us closer to God. Dick especially remembers her playing "How Great Thou Art," and it was a perfect expression of her own great faith.

Dick and Phyllis Moore
January 14, 2021

I met Carma Lou when we first moved to Cedar Rapids and I became a volunteer with the Cedar Rapids symphony Guild, and greatly appreciated her support and advice when I was director of the Cedar Rapids Marion Arts Council. Iowa had its "MusicMan", but certainly Carma Lou was Cedar Rapids' own MUSIC LADY!

Alexandra Tomes
January 16, 2021

You know, there is only one carma Lou. Sorry to have saw this, but also a chance to reflect back to happier simpler times. Rip.

Rich
February 2, 2021

I met Carma Lou when she took me on as a student to learn to play the piano 4 years ago, needless to say I was greatly intimidated by her knowledge and talent in the music world. A few months into this I realized I had the best teacher anyone could ever have, she made the lessons fun and challenging at the same time. I will miss her greatly but I will never forget what she taught me. Her memory lives on with every song I played for her and will keep on playing. Rest In Peace my very dear friend.

Ann Schmitt
February 3, 2021

Carma Lou was our next door neighbor. She was so sweet and caring. We were blessed to have her as a neighbor. Prayers, hugs, and love to her family.

Christina DenBeste
February 8, 2021

I just heard about her passing yesterday, as I don't get any newspapers. I spent 15 years with Carma Lou as her electronics service manager. She will certainly be missed in the CR area. What a fine musician (and boss) she was. Rest in peace Carma Lou.

Robert Neff
April 12, 2021

I am a recent Student of Carma Lou's and I would always look forward to our lessons. I stopped going to lessons so I could focus on college, but I always thought I would return to lessons with Carma Lou one day. She was an excellent teacher and friend and I was so lucky to be afforded the opportunity to take lessons from her. She gave me a chance to play, where other teachers would have told me to give up. Her beautiful soul may have passed on, but her knowledge and kindness will stay with me forever. Rest in peace Carma Lou Beck.

Zander Jones
July 22, 2021