Carlson, Arnold (1936-2015)

CARLSON, MONSON, LARSON, HOSHAW, BONNSTETTER

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 4/2/2015 at 17:11:19

March 16, 2015
The Daily Freeman Journal

Arnold "Arnie" Carlson, 78, of Stratford, died Thursday, March 12, 2015 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Stratford Lutheran Church with Pastor Joe Lambert, officiating. Burial to follow in the South Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

Arnold LeRoy Carlson, son of Roy F. and Clarice Monson Carlson, was born April 21, 1936 in Boone, Iowa. Arnie's education at country school, Marion #8, was completed at the same location that he later built a home for his parents. After graduating from Stratford High School in 1954, he began farming, but also enlisted for seven years in the Air National Guard. On November 21, 1959 he married the love of his life, Donna Larson, at the Stratford Lutheran Church. They have resided on the farm for 55 years, while also enjoying their winter home and dear friends in Mesa, Arizona over the past 35 years. Arnie and brother, Dale, established Carlson Brothers, farming the grain operation, along with raising hogs and cattle, together for over 40 years until 2002, when Dale retired. Arnie continued to farm with his sons and nephews, and has proudly supported his grandchildren's agrarian desire. Arnie officially retired in 2006 as his three sons continued the farming operation, effortlessly and mentally supporting their efforts, despite experiencing his health changes. Arnie's heart continued to be on the farm, his final desire, being to return "to the farm" so he could be near family and friends. During his final 10-year decline, Arnie endured without pain, complaints, or sadness. He remained positively committed to living until his final breath.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna; his children and their families: Brenda Carlson Hoshaw and her sons, Collin and Graham of Polk City; Greg and Marlys Carlson of Stratford, and their children, Stephanie of Des Moines and Brandon of Ames; Grant and Tennie Carlson of Stratford and their boys, Coyce of Ames and Cayson of Stratford; Rick and April Carlson and their children, Brittany, Jessica, and Tyler of Stratford; sister- and brother-in-laws, Violet Carlson of Stratford; Carol and Harry Bonnstetter of Whittemore, Iowa; Larry and Jeanne Larson of Mesa, Arizona, and Don and Joanna Larson of Mesa, Arizona. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins that even to his final days, meant so much to him.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister-in-law, Oren and Donita Carlson, and farming partner, Dale Carlson.

Arnie was an active member and board member of the Stratford Strutters Square Dance Club, since its inception in 1964 through their final 2005 dances when the club disbanded and his health began to change. He was an active supporter in the community, a member of the Stratford Lutheran Church, where he served as a board member for a number of years, along with his consistent service on the Stratford Elevator Board and the Stratford Lions Club. Arnie's strong work ethic was balanced with his desire to always have a family vacation in the camper. They continue to have an Iowa State Fair camping spot, one that began the tradition for a couple of their children. In later years Donna and Arnie enjoyed many traveling experiences, most recently to celebrate their 55th anniversary in November, 2014 with their children and grandchildren. Arnie's talents were many, he could fix anything, but was exceptionally talented in cabinetry, making china closets for each of his children as a wedding gift. He was an exceptional carpenter, along with his brother, Dale, they built and remodeled numerous family homes.