Verlene Adele (Gustafson) Carlson was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who loved her people beyond measure. Born on October 24, 1950, to Oliver and Leona Gustafson of Wausa, NE, she was raised on the family farm and gained an attitude of hard work and adventure from an early age. In 1970 she married Gary Carlson, and they had four children together.
Verlene’s work ethic brought her through many interesting vocations throughout her life: from raising pot-bellied pigs to working for a computer company, from helping students in the classroom to running her own scroll-saw craft business. She also had a heart for serving the Lord through various ministry boards in the region, helping with VBS and other ministries at Brantford Covenant Church, singing His praises in the choir, and volunteering the last several winters at a Rio Grande Bible Institute in Texas where she made many dear friends.
Verlene had an independent spirit and could savor the quiet moments in life, but when it came to her friends and her family, she expressed her love fully and without restraint. She was devoted to supporting her family and friends, traveling near and far to attend innumerable performances, games, graduations, and celebrations of all kinds. When there was an event that meant something to someone she loved, she showed up. She cherished her family, spending time laughing and recalling memories with Gary, her dear mom, five siblings, and children. Especially when it was over a cup of coffee and something chocolate. She spent many happy hours playing games and having fun with her grandchildren.
A spirit of adventure fueled her love for traveling with Gary, pulling a camper around the country for thousands of miles in their retirement. They explored National Parks together, camped with the grandkids, and enjoyed God’s creation in every new place the road took them – which was usually somewhere warm, because she hated to be cold. Her beautiful smile, friendly demeanor, kindness, and encouraging words will be missed by so many.
Verlene is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gary Carlson; her mother, Leona Gustafson of Wausa, NE; her son, Joshua Carlson of Chandler, AZ; her son Lucas Carlson and wife Erin of Clear Lake, WI; her daughter Erin Aurich and husband Luke of Ault, CO; and her son Matthew Carlson and wife Megan of Tacoma, WA.
Verlene is also survived by her grandchildren Halle, Carter, Reed, and Hendrick Carlson; Adalie, Elijah, Ezra, and Freya Aurich. Sisters, Betty Anderson of Norfolk, NE; Norma Vogt and husband Marlon of Cedar Rapids, IA; Karen Sedlacek and husband Dan of Spirit Lake, IA; Janet ElDorado and husband Randy of Lincoln, NE; and brother Arden Gustafson and wife Marcia of Saskatoon, SK, Canada, along with many nieces and nephews.
Verlene was preceded in death by her father Oliver Gustafson and her brother-in-law Randel Anderson.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Covenant Cedars Bible Camp. www.cedars.org/donate. Covenant Cedars was a special place to Verlene where she attended summer camps, met her husband, attended family reunions and retreats, served on the board, and spent many hours volunteering.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Brantford Covenant Church, Clyde, Kansas.
Visitation will be held at the church Monday, March 25, 2024, from 5-7 PM.
Inurnment will take place at the Brantford Covenant Cemetery, Clyde, Kansas
