Howard Carlson of Granger

0
1468

Howard Carlson, 90, of Granger and formerly of Gowrie passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perry. Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 3-4 p.m. at the church. A private family graveside will be held at the Allison Cemetery in Allison, Iowa.

Online condolences may be sent at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.

Howard Walfred Carlson, son of Eric Walfred and Ethel Agnes (Schuett) Carlson, was born June 9, 1927, at his parents’ home near Washta in Cherokee County, Iowa, and passed away Oct. 21, 2017, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids at the age of 90.

He was baptized into the Christian faith Oct. 16, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Marcus, Iowa, and confirmed in that faith March 25, 1945 ,at St. John Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa.

Howard attended rural schools at Tilden #8 in Cherokee County and Garfield #4 in Ida County and graduated from Washta High School in 1945.

He entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Snelling, Minn., May 8, 1946, and trained at Camp Polk in Louisiana. He was stationed at Inchon, Korea, and served with the 51st Military Police Battalion. He was also an automotive mechanic and motor pool driver during that time until he was honorably discharged Oct. 20, 1947.

Howard was united in marriage with Lois Elizabeth Botcher May 20, 1949, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee. They were the parents of two children, Douglas and Connie.

Howard was a tiller of the Iowa soil and farmed near Cushing, Galva and Nemaha until moving to Callender in 1973 to continue his love of farming.

Howard was a skilled welder, and during the winter months he worked at several manufacturers in Sac City and Albert City. After moving to Gowrie in 1993, he continued working as a farm laborer until his retirement in 2003.

Although farming was the most fulfilling job in his life, Howard enjoyed bowling and fishing when farm work permitted, and he and Lois also spent many hours dancing at the Bohemian Hall near Ft. Dodge.

After losing his first wife, Lois, to cancer May 20, 1999, which was their 50th wedding anniversary day, Howard married his next dancing partner, Betty Anderson Emery, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Perry June 30, 2002. They made their home in Granger.

After their marriage, they also enjoyed dancing at many places in the Midwest and traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Howard became a resident of Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids in October 2016 and was lovingly cared for by the staff there.

Howard was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Callender and later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Perry.

He was also an active member of American Legion Peterson Post #431 of Gowrie.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lois; a sister-in-law, Jane Carlson; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Botcher, Irvin Harstick and Ed Beinor.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his two children, Douglas (Donna) Carlson of Early, Iowa, and Connie (Bill) Wix of Allison, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. Also surviving are Betty’s three sons, Glen (Vickie) Emery, Paul (Kristy) Emery and Mark (Deb) Emery and their families; a sister, Irene Beinor of Manteno, Ill.; a brother, Francis Carlson of Alta, Iowa; other relatives; and many friends who mourn his passing.

His cremains will be laid to rest with his wife Lois at the Allison Cemetery in Allison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lutheran Hour Ministries or Concordia Seminary, both of St. Louis, Mo., or the family’s choice.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.