CARLSON, Ethel Fern (1908-2011)

CARLSON, GAST, STILLE, BIER, BRIDGES, QUINN, RIFFLE

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 8/21/2013 at 01:14:14

ETHEL FERN CARLSON

Ethel Fern Carlson, 102, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Diana Hoover officiating. Interment was in Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme, Iowa. Family suggests memorials to the Clear Lake Library or United Methodist Church, Clear Lake.

Fern was born March 19, 1908, the daughter of John Joseph and Clara (Gast) Stille in rural Klemme, Iowa. She was baptized and a member of Liberty Methodist Church, Klemme. She attended rural country school and then graduated from Klemme High School in 1926. Following high school she attended Iowa State Teachers College where she obtained her teachers certificate. She taught for five years in country school.

Fern married Arthur Edward Carlson May 3, 1933 on the Stille family farm in rural Klemme. They moved to a farm south of Clear Lake.

She enjoyed crocheting, traveling, crafts, playing cards, gardening and growing violets. She was a member of United Methodist Church, Clear Lake; a charter member of United Methodist Women Circle and a charter member of Rural Lakettes.

Fern is survived by her daughter, Carol Carlson, Clear Lake; special nephew, Marlyn Carlson, Clear Lake; special nieces, Marion Quinn, Coralville, Iowa and Karen Riffle, Macomb, Ill.; sister-in-law, Grace Stille, Klemme; special friend, Pat Bahling, Clear Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Gertrude Bier and Lucille Bridges; and four brothers, Quintin, Kermit, Virgil and George Stille.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.