Ernel F. Carlson 1899 -1987

CARLSON, CALKINS, BEARDSLEY

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 2/13/2014 at 12:56:21

Onawa Democrat, Onawa, (Monona), Iowa, 16 Apr 1987:

ERNEL F. CARLSON

Ernel F. Carlson died March 28, 1987, in Billings Montana.

E. F. “Swede” Carlson worked for Standard Oil Co., in Quincy, Ill. For 10 years before transferring to Billings in 1932, as a sales manager. In 1941, he went to work for the government in the office of Price Administration at Helena, and in 1946 founded Modern Home Appliance in Billings, which he operated until 1966. In 1967, he became county commissioner, serving one term, and later worked in real estate for the Lewellyn Agency and then Marshall-Salsbury.

He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the American Legion, serving as past president of the Central Council, a charter member of Greeters, a member of World War I Veterans Organization, serving as past quartermaster and a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Al Bedoo Shrine and the Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed playing golf.

Mr. Carlson, 88, of 422 Clark Ave., died in his home Saturday of natural causes.

He was born in Moorhead, Iowa, a son of Olaf and Clara Carlson. He graduated from the Onawa, Iowa, High School in 1917. He served in the Navy from 1917 to 1920 on the U.S.S. Columbia, escorting convoys across the Atlantic during World War I. During the post war period, he wintered in the Caribbean and in 1920, attended the University of Illinois. In 1926 he married Ruth Calkins in Quincy, Ill.; she died in 1974. In 1976, he married Gertrude Beardsley in Billings.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Addison of Helena; two sisters, Jessie Olsen (Mrs. Herman Olsen), now residing at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Whiting, Ia. and Edna Gord of Davenport, Ia.; and four grandchildren.

Cremation has been held. Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.