Ralph Carlson

RALPH KENNETH CARLSON Ralph Kenneth Carlson, age 99, a long time resident of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010, at the Heritage House in Atlantic. Ralph was born May 25, 1910 to John W. and Caroline (Kay) Carlson on the farm where his parents lived east of Atlantic. He attended Brushy Point School until the 9th grade. In 1932 Ralph took over the farming operation from his father. Around September of 1940, Ralph attended a dance in Wiota where he danced with a young lady named Delpha. On June 8, 1941, Ralph was united in marriage to Delpha Frederickson at her parent's home in Atlantic. He devoted his entire life to farming and he and Delpha became parents of five children. They both lived from the horse and buggy days and on into the space age and beyond. Their generation has seen more changes in their life than any other generation. Survivors include his sons, John Carlson and wife Linda of Griswold, Iowa and James Carlson and wife Barbara of Atlantic, Iowa; daughter Judith McGee and husband Orval of Council Bluffs, Iowa; four grandchildren, Mike Carlson and wife Patricia of Atlantic, IA, Alan Carlson and wife Michelle of Elliott, IA, Shelly Hagen and husband Ronald of Lincoln, NE and Thomas Carlson of Griswold, IA; seven great grandchildren, Garrett, Haley and Hannah Carlson of Atlantic, IA, Tamara and Timothy Carlson of Cicero, IN, Cody and Aubrey Hagen of Lincoln, NE and a number of nieces and nephews; two step granddaughters, Dianna Kuyper of Omaha, NE and Pamela Robinson of Fredericksburg, VA. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Delpha who passed away in 2001; a son Larry that was stillborn and son Kenneth Frederick who passed away in 1955; a great granddaughter Paige Ann Carlson and two sisters, Lilian Lumbard and Ruby Hansen.Funeral Information There will be open visitation for Ralph daily from 8:00 - 5:30 at the Roland Funeral Home with a family visitation on Wednesday evening, March 3, from 6:00 - 8:00. Services for Ralph will be held Thursday afternoon, March 4, at 1:30 PM, at the Roland Funeral Home with Pastor Gary DeGeest officiating. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery. The Roland Funeral Home is caring for Ralph's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left on our website: www.rolandfuneralservice.com.IN HIS LOVING MEMORYRALPH KENNETH CARLSONBORNMay 25, 1910Atlantic, IowaENTERED INTO RESTSunday, February 28, 2010at the age of99 years, 9 months, and 3 daysFUNERAL SERVICESThursday, March 4, 2010, 1:30 PMRoland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Gary DeGeestFirst United Methodist Church Wiota & Anita, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Just so Sweet to Trust in Jesus&""How Great Thou Art&""Green, Green Grass of Home&" ~ CDPIANISTMarlene DeGeestBEARERS Michael Carlson Alan Carlson Tom Carlson Ron Hagen Timothy Carlson Garrett Carlson Todd HansenFLOWER COMMITTEEBob & Marilyn Vernon Bernal & Beverly KleenBob & Jeannine DeVore-HarrisINTERMENTAtlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, IowaLUNCHEON Ralph"s family invites friends to join them for a luncheon and fellowship at the Heritage House following services. For area church and cemetery directions, please click here:Church DirectionsCemetery Directions