Marian Joy Carlson, the daughter of Henry A. and Ellen O. (Lonn) Swanson was born April 30, 1931 in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Red Oak Healthcare Community, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 7 months and 5 days.

Marian graduated from Red Oak High School in l949. She continued her education at Red Oak Junior College and North Park College, Chicago, IL. Marian was united in marriage to David E. Carlson on July 2, 1950 in Red Oak, Iowa. Being married to a pastor, they moved many times before retirement. Marian and David lived in Randolph, KS, Northport, MI, Marquette, KS, Mason City, IA, Haxtun, CO, Oakland, NE, Edmonton, Alberta Canada and Siren, WI. She worked in many of these communities as a nurse aide in care centers. In 1990, David retired and they moved back to Red Oak. She continued to work at Vista Gardens Care Center and Red Oak Healthcare Community for several more years. Marian was very involved in their churches where she chaired many ladies' organizations. She also taught Sunday school and filled leadership roles. Marian enjoyed doing jigsaw and word puzzles. She enjoyed cooking and was always willing to share meals with others. Marian was a member of the First Covenant Church in Red Oak and helped at Christ Cupboard Food Pantry.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents and son, Steve Carlson.

Marian is survived by her husband, David E. Carlson of Red Oak, IA; children: David (Marie) Carlson of Centennial, CO, Daniel (Linda) Carlson of Overland Park, KS, Diane (Kevin) Anderson of Arlington, TX and Denise (Gary) Skramstad of Tega Cay, SC; daughter-in-law, Karen Carlson of Glenview, IL; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and sister, Jean (Rex) Stuck of Arvada, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Order of Services Times

Graveside Service on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak. Family and friends will meet at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home at 10:45 a.m. for procession to cemetery.

Visitation with family on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at First Covenant Church, Red Oak.

Celebration of Life Service Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Covenant Church, Red Oak.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to the First Covenant Church or Christ Cupboard Food Pantry.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.