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Funeral services for Jean Carlson were held Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake was in charge of the arrangements.
Jean Marie Carlson, Albert City, was called to her heavenly home Aug. 13, 2024, nine days before her 75th birthday at Pocahontas County Hospital. Jean was baptized, confirmed, married and now laid to rest at Zion Lutheran Church, her lifelong church home.
As a self-proclaimed tomboy, her favorite childhood days were spent outside with cousins and friends, riding bikes, playing with horses or working with cattle for 4-H. After attending Zion Lutheran Parochial School through eighth grade, she graduated from Albert City High School in 1967. She played softball and often reflected on memories of her classmates.
She was united in marriage to Delmar Carlson Jan. 8, 1972. They were blessed with three children: Jennifer Michelle, Jill Marie and John Quentin. A loving homemaker, she spent many years raising her children and was an active member of Thursday Apron Club. As her children grew older, she never missed a drill team competition, sporting event or concert. She spent hours helping her kids with countless 4-H projects, from sheep to woodworking, and always looked forward to the Buena Vista County Fair.
She was a mother to all while working as a custodian at Albert City-Truesdale School. Faculty members, coworkers and students appreciated her smile and priceless sense of humor. Many will remember legendary lip sync contest performances with her coworkers during homecoming.
Jean was an artist. A talented crafter, painter, writer and avid reader, she spent many hours on projects for the fair or for fun. Her famous sweet pickles earned purple ribbons at the fair, along with several other gardening entries.
Her grandchildren will forever cherish memories with “Grandma Jean.” Every visit included a crafting project, reading books or playing with the baby miniature horses and kitties. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play sports and perform in various activities.
Jean and Del shared many passions, including their love for Allis Chalmers and the Albert City Threshermen & Collectors Show, where they were also honored as Parade Marshals in 2015. She loved sharing animals at the petting zoo and displayed projects at Flower Power.
Her one true love, besides her family, was her horses.
Jean was the ultimate caretaker. She prepared meals for family and friends, or simply stopped by to keep them company. Caring for others brought her joy beyond measure.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, who she deeply missed, Eldor and Anna Sump; parents-in-law Roy and Verva Carlson; brothers-in-law Dan Vonnahme and Steve Sassman; and sister-in-law, Denise Sassman.
She is survived by and already missed by her loving husband, Del; her three children: Jennifer Reddel (David Reddel) of Ankeny; Jill Carlson (Michael Goethals) of Geneseo, Ill.; and John Carlson (Amber Rasmussen) of Salem, Ore.; four grandchildren: Carter Reddel, Collin Reddel, Hannah Loehr and Emma Loehr; Hannah and Emma’s father, Mike Loehr of Geneseo, Ill.; sisters: Judith (Ben) Malcom of Storm Lake; and Janet (Rick) Meyer of Alta; sisters-in law: Deb (Jim) Travis of Mallard; and Darla Vonnahme of Algona; brother-in-law Doyle (Sherry) Carlson of Vernal, Utah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jean will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and community member, she will be missed by all who knew her.
