Alvin Carroll CHARLSON

CHARLSON, DUELAND, STROM, HOMERVOLD, PINGEL, JOHNSON, PIIPPO, HEYKANTS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/22/2008 at 10:01:20

10/21/2008
Belmond Independent, Iowa

Alvin C. Charlson, 85, died October 14, 2008 at Wright Medical Center in Clarion. Services were held October 17 at First Lutheran Church in Clarion with Pastor Gary Boen officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion.

Alvin Carroll was born October 25, 1922 near Randall to Austin and Carrie Belita (Dueland) Charlson. He was baptized November 26, 1922 and confirmed at Elim Lutheran in Randall. In the spring of 1940 he graduated from Randall Consolidated Schools, and later that year the family moved to Wright County. He married Geraldine (Jeri) Strom on June 30, 1946 at First Congregational Church in Clarion. Alvin spent most of his life farming. His goal was always to be a good steward of the land. Building terraces and utilizing contour farming were among the conservation practices he adopted. Alvin was an officer in the Wright County N.F.O. Alvin and Jeri spent 40 years farming before retiring to Belmond. At that time Alvin took the position of custodian at Trinity Lutheran Church, serving 17 years. Alvin served the church by being on the council in various positions at both First Lutheran in Clarion and Trinity Lutheran in Belmond. He also served on the board of Congregate Meals and Belmond Care Car, where he also was a driver. Alvin and Jeri, along with Steve and Marilyn Janssen, established and for 15 years served Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day dinners to people in Belmond who would have been alone on those holidays.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Art Homervold; and great-grandson Jeff Pingel. Alvin is survived his wife; children Alan (Phyllis) Charlson of Waverly, Carrie Charlson Pingel of Mason City and David (Joyce) Charlson of Clarion; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: John (Kristen) Charlson, Grace and Kate; Kevin (Laurie) Charlson, Cael; Stephanie Pingel Johnson, Trenton and Tyler Piippo; Bradley (Trazee) Pingel, Zoey, Jade and Max; Austin (Angela) Charlson, Harley Mae; and Everett (Katy) Charlson; sister Arlene Homervold; and niece Faye Heykants and her children.