Carlberg, Anna Fardal (1945-2020)

CARLBERG, FARDAL, MATHRE, KLUZEK

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 1/22/2021 at 15:12:38

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa
October 29, 2020

Anna “Ann” (Fardal) Carlberg, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 25th, 2020 in Mankato, MN. Ann Carlberg was born in Stanhope, Iowa on November 16, 1927 to Art and Helen (Mathre) Fardal. Ann graduated from Stanhope High School in 1945, and was the Valedictorian of her class. She played clarinet, was in Glee Club and a cheerleader. She loved sports and played forward on Stanhope HS Girls Basketball team that won at state. Her father Art instilled early in his children the importance of a college education, even more important for women.

Ann attended St Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1945. While in college she recorded songs in a studio on 45 RPM records using cutting edge technology. She taught music in Randall, Kamrar and Stanhope Iowa for many years starting in 1949. She also taught band in both elementary and high school. She married A. Edwin Carlberg on August 29, 1952 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanhope, IA. Together they raised 3 sons, Norman, Gary, Ron, and two daughters Judy and Lori.

Ed and Ann moved to Sioux City in 1958. The young family of 7 then moved to Antigo, Wisconsin in 1961. Ann was very active at Peace Lutheran Church, sang solos for weddings and funerals and played the organ at church. She was a substitute teacher and taught 1st grade at Peace Lutheran School.

They moved to Mankato in 1973. After earning a Master’s Degree in Library and Media Science, from 1979 to 1993 she worked at Mankato State University as a Librarian until her retirement. Active in her church, she enjoyed going to Lutefisk dinners, attending plays and going to concerts. Ann was Secretary for Sons of Norway, a group she was passionate about. She enjoyed being Chairperson for Mankato State University Children’s World where she received an award for volunteering and was the Grand Marshall in 2014. Ed and Ann enjoyed family activities, going on camping trips, time with cousins, day trips to the lake, sledding, visits to grandparents, and always making time for the pool and annual vacations. Wonderful trip memories included Yellowstone and Seattle to spend time with relatives.

Ann and her siblings Harold and Harriet (Fardal) Kluzek were very proud of their Norwegian heritage. Her great grandparents immigrated from Matre, Norway.

Ann and Ed centered their years together and raising family around faith in the Lord. The focus of their life was raising their 5 children. They taught their children values, ethics, to be kind, to work hard, love nature, travel and most important to love God.

In her final years at Pathstone she suffered with Parkinson’s and dementia. She told us she was ready to go to heaven.

Anna is survived by her three sons, two daughters, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, cousins, five nephews and one niece.

Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years Ed (January 30, 2001), parents, siblings Harriet (Fardal) Kluzek and Harold Fardal.

“Blessed be the memories of mange tusen (wonderful times) with Ed and the family we raised together”, Anna Carlberg. Blessed be the memory of Anna Carlberg.