Carlson, Irma I. (1915-2013)

CARLSON, VANDERVORT, FAIRCHILD, HERMAN, ANDERSON, BLOOM, HARTZLER, BERNARD

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/9/2013 at 10:28:27

Irma I. Carlson
May 24, 1915 - April 18, 2013

A longtime resident of Albert City, Irma I. Carlson, age 97 years, 10 months, and 25 days, quietly and peacefully slipped into the presence of her Creator and Redeemer on April 18, 2013.

Irma Vandervort Carlson was born on May 24, 1915, in Terril, Iowa, to Walter and Oda (Fairchild) Vandervort. She attended school in Rembrandt, Iowa, and Buffalo, Minnesota, before graduating from Hayes Consolidated High School near Storm Lake in 1932. Then, she enrolled at Olivet College in Danville, Illinois, for one year. Next, she did housekeeping for several families for a number of years before she married Morris Carlson on February 11, 1937, at the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City, Iowa. Six children were born to this union: Richard, Leonard, Carol, Eugene, Dale, and Betty.

A member of the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City, Irma came to trust Christ as her Savior while attending a released time Bible class during her lower elementary school years.

Before they retired and moved into Albert City, Irma and Morris farmed the "Carlson home place" north of Albert City for many years. Irma also served as the cook at area restaurants as well as at the Albert City schools for many years. An excellent Tupperware saleswoman, she became a district manager for the company. She participated in the women's ministries of the Free Church in addition to teaching the children's Sunday school classes. She was often called upon to make Swedish coffee for special occasions at the church. She was a member of the Golden Rule neighborhood club.

Expressing her love of quilting, Irma, with Morris's help, made one for each of her children and grandchildren. She found love, joy, and happiness in her family, especially when she could entertain them in her home. Indeed, she took pride in hosting not only her immediate family, but her extended family, neighbors, and friends as well. They were always welcome for a cup of coffee or a meal.

In 2002, Irma moved to the senior living facility at Country Manor in Sartell, Minnesota, near her son, Leonard. A prayer warrior and a people person, she made everyone feel welcome. Indeed, she spent her time there enjoying the choir, attending Bible Study, praying for neighbors, and making friends wherever she went. She loved her Lord and loved serving Him in all she did.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Leonard (Sandi) Carlson, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Carol (John) Herman, of Monticello, Minnesota, Eugene (Linda) Carlson, of Wheaton, Illinois, Dale (Carolyn) Carlson, of Palatine, Illinois, and Betty Carlson, of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; her daughter-in-law, Betty Carlson, of Spencer; twelve grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren; a brother, Vernon Vandervort, of Seattle, Washington; a sister-in-law, Annette Anderson, of Albert City; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Bloom, of Fairmont, Minnesota; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

Proceeding Irma in death were her parents, Walter and Oda Vandervort; her husband, Morris; her son, Richard; her sisters, Ruth Hartzler and Edith Bernard; and a brother, Gerald Vandervort.

A memorial service will be held at Country Manor Chapel, Sartell, Minnesota, on Wednesday, April 24, 2913, at 9:30 a.m. Irma's funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church, 212 Flower St., Albert City. Burial will be in the Fairfield Township Cemetery near Albert City. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is making the arrangements. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, and again on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Irma's welcoming smile will be missed by all.

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