Howard LeRoy Carlson was born on August 1, 1928 the son of Paul Reuben and Myrtle Elvira (Oline) Carlson in Essex, Iowa.  He entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Shenandoah Medical Center.

Howard attended the Nishna Valley County School near Shenandoah until the third grade.  His family then moved near Coin, Iowa.  He continued his education there and graduated from Coin High School with the Class of 1945.  Howard served his country with pride in the United States Army from November 1950 through November of 1952.  He was stationed at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri during the Korean Conflict.   On June 12, 1952, Howard was united in marriage to Ila Jean Leothen in Shenandoah, Iowa.  The couple was blessed with 65 years of marriage before Ila Jean passed away in December of 2017.

Howard and Ila Jean resided on a farm south of Northboro for 43 years.  It was here that they raised their two children, Roger and Linda.  Howard dedicated his life to his chosen profession of farming.  He was an active member of the Northboro United Methodist Church.   They subsequently retired to his farm west of Northboro.  They resided on this farm until 2017 when the couple moved to Homestead Assisted Living Center in Shenandoah, due to Ila Jean's deteriorating health.  He remained as a resident until his passing.

Those left to honor his memory include his children Roger (Cindy) Carlson and Linda (James) Bane; sister Jane Foster; grandchildren Michael Bane, Steven Carlson and Paula Carlson; sister-in-law Rachel Prenger; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of old and new friends from the Southwest Iowa area.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Ila Jean, brothers-in-law Paul Foster, Stanley Prenger, Jerome Leothen and Peter Leothen; and sister-in-law Rosemary Leothen.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the Wabash Memorial Chapel at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in the Union Grove Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Shenandoah American Legion Color Guard.  The family will greet family and friends on Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Hospital Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.  Following the services at the graveside a light luncheon will be served at the Northboro Community Building.