Rosemary Carlson, daughter of Bird O. and Della (Goodner) Rice, was born on March 22, 1926, in Shenandoah, Iowa. She passed away on Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 81.

Her early life was spent in Shenandoah, where she attended the Shenandoah Public Schools. She graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1944. On September 5, 1948, Rosemary was united in marriage to Earl M. Carlson at the First Christian Church in Shenandoah. To this union three sons were born, Stephen, Michael and Phillip.

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. They moved into Essex on their 40th Anniversary. Rosemary worked seasonally at Henry Field's and also worked part-time at the Essex Library. She and Earl moved to Fair Oaks Care Center in Shenandoah in 2007. Rosemary was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church and their LCW. She had been active in Cumbles, the Iowa Cattlemen and Cowbells, the Tomorrow Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary. When the kids were in 4-H she was active in many of the activities. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, crafts, art, playing cards and visiting with friends.

Preceding Rosemary in death were her parents and brother, Ross Rice. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Earl Carlson of Fair Oaks in Shenandoah; three sons, Steve Carlson and his wife Phyllis of Clarinda, IA, Mike Carlson and his wife Sandy of Essex, IA and Phil Carlson and his wife Kendra of Valpariso, NE; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy Wetmore and her husband Charles of Sacramento, CA, and Phyllis Notson of Maryland; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held from the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bethesda on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Words of Comfort were given by Pastor Jerry Lamb. The congregation sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". The Organist was Yvonne Johnson. Yvonne sang "On Eagles Wings" while accompanied by Heidi Bird on the Piano. Joan Setterburg and LaVon Larson attended the Memory Register. Caring for flowers were Kennard and Phyllis Keeran, and Dick and Norma Schlater. Ushers were Dennis Meier and Kent Setterburg. Honorary Casket Bearers were Bill and Ann Roof and the Missouri Pheasant Hunters. Casket Bearers were Todd Carlson, Aaron Zenti, Tom Billington, Josh Schwarte, Ryan Fichter, and Daniel Gray. Interment was in Bethesda Lutheran Cemetery in Bethesda. At the graveside, Yvonne Johnson sang "Till We Meet Again". Memorials in Rosemary's name are being directed to the Bethesda Lutheran Church.