There will be open at the funeral home Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorials are being directed to the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Earl's name.

Earl Marvin Lawrence Carlson, son of Lawrence A. and Anna E. (Hammergren) Carlson, was born on May 26, 1926 near Hepburn, Iowa on the family farm. He entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at the Goldenrod Manor Care Center in Clarinda, Iowa at the age of 85.
Earl's early life was spent in the Bethesda, Iowa area where he grew up on the farm. He attended country school before attending Clarinda High School where he graduated with the Class of 1939. Following high school he farmed before honorably serving his country during World War II. He was inducted into the Army in July of 1945 and served through January of 1947 in the occupation of Germany.
On September 5, 1948, Earl was united in marriage to the love of life, Rosemary Rice, at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah. Following their marriage they farmed east of Essex for two years before moving to a farm north of Essex where they lived for 39 years until retiring to Essex in 1988. Earl and Rosemary moved to Fair Oaks Care Center in Shenandoah in 2007. Earl later moved to Goldenrod Manor in Clarinda in 2009.
With the exception of his time in the Army, Earl farmed all his life. He "retired" in 1988 when they moved to Essex, although he was never far from the action until his health prevented him from doing farm labor.
Earl was a longtime member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church and sang in the choir for many years. He was also a member of the Iowa Cattleman's Association for many years and also served on the Page County Fair Board. He enjoyed wood working, hunting, spending time with the grandkids and playing cards.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife Rosemary; his parents; and two sisters, Henrietta Carlson and Regina O'Malley. Earl is survived by his three sons, Steve Carlson and wife Phyllis of Clarinda, IA, Mike Carlson and wife Sandy of Essex, and Phil Carlson and wife Kendra of Valpariso, NE; eight grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Ruthella Bersch of Essex, IA; other relatives and many friends.



Words of comfort were given by Pastor Jerry Lamb and Intern Steve Winsor. Family remembrances were given by Phil Carlson. Organist was Yvonne Johnson. Congregational hymns were "How Great Thou Art" and "This Is My Father's World". Yvonne Johnson sang "Children Of The Heavenly Father" in swedish. Attending the memory register were Joan Setterburg and Lynn Meier. Ushers were Dennis Meier and Kent Setterburg. Honorary casket bearers were all of Earl's friends. Casket bearers were Todd Carlson, Aaron Zenti, Tom Billington, Tyson Carlson, Ryan Fichter, Larry Messerley, Michael Fort and Daniel Gray. Military rites were accorded by the American Legion Post #88 of Shenandoah. Interment was in the Bethesda Lutheran Cemetery.