Carroll E. Ebert, 78, of Naperville, a retired chief executive officer of Carson Pirie Scott & Co., died of a stroke Tuesday, May 14, in Edward Hospital in Naperville.
A highly regarded leader in the retail industry, Mr. Ebert was at the helm of one of Chicago’s largest department stores during a period of great expansion. During the 1960s and ’70s, he oversaw the addition of several new Carson Pirie Scott stores in suburban malls and other outlying areas.
“He was a bright, very analytical man, with a vast knowledge of the retailing industry,” said Charles Reice, a retired vice president of finance for Carson Pirie Scott. “Carroll understood the whole retail picture, with all its intricacies, procedures and systems. He was an expert at allocating floor space in a store to maximize your sales per square foot, and in our business, that’s the name of the game.”
The son of a Lutheran school principal, Mr. Ebert grew up in Baraboo, Wis., and lived a block from the winter headquarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. While his childhood was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of performers and exhibits, his life was shaped with the values associated with small-town living.
“Money was tight in my father’s family, but he grew up happy, with great role models and an understanding of basic morals,” said his son John.
Mr. Ebert received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. After college he worked for three years as an auditor for Bendix Corp. in South Bend, Ind. He later worked for retailers in Milwaukee before accepting a position with Chicago-based accounting firm Touche Ross, where he specialized in retail auditing. In the mid-1960s, he lived in Downers Grove and was treasurer for a Wieboldt’s department store in Chicago.
Mr. Ebert moved to Naperville and joined Carson Pirie Scott in 1967 as the company’s vice president of finance, working at its flagship store at State and Madison Streets. His tenure with Carson Pirie Scott culminated in his appointment as president and chief executive officer, the position he held when he retired in 1983.
“He enjoyed everything about his years with Carson’s but especially the people he got to know,” his son said. “He got a kick out of commuting to the Loop by train, working in a great old building and appreciating everything the city has to offer.”
Mr. Ebert was a Navy veteran of World War II and served in the Pacific theater. He was quartermaster first class of a PT boat squadron.
He dedicated himself to volunteer and philanthropic activities, including Chicago Uptown Ministry, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Lutheran charities, United Way and other civic organizations.
He also was a member of American Legion Baraboo Post, Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville and a former member of the Illinois State Board of Education.
“Civic responsibility was something he was taught from a very young age,” his son said. “My dad’s philosophy was that life had been good to him and he wanted to give something back.”
Other survivors include his wife, Helen; two sons, Mark and Jim; two daughters, Lynne Tuch and Jane Collins; a sister, Jean Autio; and 10 grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Bethany Lutheran Church, 1550 Modaff Rd., Naperville.
