Eddie M. Carlson

May 23, 1912 - September 6, 2008

Eddie M. Carlson, 96 of 552 U Avenue rural Boone passed away at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone on Thursday afternoon, August 28, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. He had been a resident at the Home since March of 2008. He was born at his home in rural Artesian, South Dakota on May 23, 1912 the son of Arthur Charles and Nellie Mae (Smalley) Carlson. Eddie graduated from Artesian High School in 1931 and attended Iowa State College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts (now known as Iowa State University) before joining his father and brother in farming. On June 5, 1938, he married Rose Jane Crooks in a ceremony at the couple’s home in rural Boone County. The couple farmed and raised livestock over the past sixty-five years on their Harrison Township farm. Eddie also operated a tiling business for many years in partnership with Junior Poling. . Eddie and Rose Jane were members of the Mackey Methodist Church. They enjoyed dancing and traveling and took part in various farm organizations and service projects. He also served on the Boone County Board of Education. The Carlson’s were conservationists and stewards of the land, preserving the woods and patches of prairie on their farm; terracing, and planting trees, flowers and buffers. Eddie was an avid gardener and kept his family and friends supplied with garden produce. He loved to entertain and socialize with his bountiful “harvest of friends”. Eddie was a devoted husband and father, leaving his children and grandchildren a legacy of optimism, living and loving life to the fullest, and a motto to “make a difference”. He was “caretaker” for Rose Jane in her last years. His greatest joys were his family and friends, his beloved farm, the planting and the harvest. His parents, wife, Rose Jane, two sons-in-law, Harlan Cook and Robert L. Pritchard, a sister, Cortess Carlson Bullock, a brother, Oakley P. Carlson, and a brother-in-law Clarence Nelson, Jr. preceded him in death. Survivors include his 3 daughters; Zoanne Erickson and husband Eldon of Ames, Rebecca Pritchard-Simpson and husband Loran of Ames, Lucinda Nell Brokens and husband Gary of Scotch Grove, Iowa, seven grandchildren; Dean Erickson and Melissa, Mike Pritchard and wife Laurie, Mandy Dahl and husband Vince all of Boone; Brad Erickson of Austin, Texas, Lindsay Rose Robinson and husband Clint of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Ashley Ferry and husband Brock of Cedar Rapids and Jonathan Edward Brokens of Scotch Grove, 6 great-grandchildren: Jennifer Pritchard of Des Moines, Jeremy and Koby Pritchard; Alex and Austin Dahl; and Ella Rose Erickson all of Boone and Baby Robinson - due in September; a sister, Pauline Nelson of Boone; a sister-in-law Marie Carlson of Ames; and special friend Marian Weldin; numerous nieces and nephews. The body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, September 6th at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boone with Rev. Philip Webb officiating. Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone on Friday evening, September 5th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for a time of sharing with the family present during that time to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their memorial to the Eastern Star Masonic Home, Mackey Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.