A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Virginia Rae Hunter Carlson, 89, of Storm Lake passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2025, at Methodist Manor surrounded by family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or Storm Lake United Methodist Church in Virginia’s honor.
Virginia was born on Dec. 9, 1935, on a farm near Sac City, to Ernest and Kathryn Hunter. She grew up on the family farms in Sac and Buena Vista counties with her sisters, graduating as valedictorian of Sulphur Springs High School, where she also excelled at basketball.
In 1951, Virginia met the love of her life, Darrel “Red” Carlson, after he heard her voice on the radio. They married on Jan. 19, 1954, at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. They spent their lives farming south of Storm Lake while raising three children: Patricia, Marcia and Bryan. Virginia worked tirelessly for her family, whether baking wedding cakes, caramel rolls or cinnamon rolls, gardening or helping on the farm. For much of her life she worked as a secretary in Storm Lake at South Elementary School, Community Education and the Iowa State University Extension office.
Virginia was deeply devoted to her church, where she directed the children’s choir, sang in the choir and served on committees. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, puzzles, canning, fishing and traveling. Most of all, she cherished time with her family who will miss her dearly.
Virginia is survived by her children, Patricia Stevens and Bryan (Sara) Carlson; grandchildren: Katie (Dino) Chaffin, Cody Stevens, Marcia Paige Carlson, Tate (Liz) Carlson and Lane Carlson; great-grandchildren: Alicia, Brayden, Lilly, Carter, Corbett and Linus; sisters: Marilyn Huseman, Georgia Jacobson and Beverly Kistenmacher; and many extended family members.
Greeting her in heaven are her beloved husband of 56 years, Darrel “Red” Carlson; daughter Marcia Mercer; parents, Ernest and Kathryn Hunter; sisters, Sharlotte Watson and Linda Jo Hunter.
