Verlene Adele (Gustafson) Carlson
Verlene Carlson
CLIFTON, Kan. — A funeral service for Verlene Adele (Gustafson) Carlson, 73, Clifton, Kan., was held March 26 at Brantford Covenant Church, Clifton, Kan. Verlene died March 19, 2024. Verlene was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who loved her people beyond measure. Born Oct. 24, 1950, to Oliver and Leona Gustafson, Wausa, she was raised on the family farm and gained an attitude of hard work and adventure from an early age. Verlene graduated from Wausa High School in 1968, and in 1970, she married Gary Carlson. 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, Wausa; her son, Joshua Carlson, Chandler, Ariz.; her son, Lucas Carlson, and wife, Erin, Clear Lake, Wis.; her daughter, Erin Aurich, and husband, Luke, Ault, Colo.; and her son, Matthew Carlson, and wife, Megan, Tacoma, Wash.
Verlene is also survived by her grandchildren, Halle, Carter, Reed and Hendrick Carlson, and Adalie, Elijah, Ezra and Freya Aurich; sisters, Betty Anderson, Norfolk; Norma Vogt and husband, Marlon, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Karen Sedlacek and husband, Dan, Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Janet ElDorado and husband, Randy, Lincoln; and brother, Arden Gustafson, and wife, Marcia, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; along with many nieces and nephews.
Verlene was preceded in death by her father, Oliver Gustafson, and her brotherin- 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.
