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In memory of

Leonard W. Carlson

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Monday, September 13, 2010 at his residence in Kadoka, following an illness that had only slowed him down for a very short time at the age of 88

Leonard was born to Charles F. and Esther (Johnson) Carlson on June 23, 1922, on the homestead at Indian Creek. His life began as the youngest of two children, when he was just four years old his father passed away leaving his mother to raise him and his sister Ila during very rough years on the prairie.

Leonard attended grade school at Indian Creek Elementary and graduated from Philip High School in 1940. On weekdays during his high school years Leonard lived at the dorm in Philip and spent the weekends helping at the Tom Pokenhorn Ranch or helping his mother at the homestead. Leonard’s younger years were spent learning the value of hard work and the value of a hard earned dollar.

In 1943, Leonard was riding his beloved motorcycle and spooked the pretty neighbor girl’s horse. This was how he met the love of his life, Lillian Erickson. In June of 1944, they were united in marriage at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The next year Leonard was drafted to the United States Army. He and Lillian spent their first two years at Camp Hood, Texas while Leonard served his country as a Surgical Technician during WWII. With an honorable discharge they were happy to return to his birthplace on Indian Creek, returning to his life of raising livestock and farming.

Leonard loved the farm and spent all but two of his entire life of 88 years on the home place. In the late 40’s they began their years of raising children, they had ten children of their own but many times you could find extra children at their dinner table. Leonard was helpful to the neighbors and anyone who may have needed a helping hand. Never was a dollar wasted and if it wasn’t on sale he usually would not buy it. He looked forward to classified ads, free meals, and farm sales for both the bargains and the socializing. Leonard had a friendly smile and appeared not to have a worry in the world.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lillian; eight children, Larry Carlson (Robin) of Pierre, Charlie Carlson (Kathleen) of Kadoka, Glenda Carlson of Kadoka, Marlene Perault (Mike) of Belvidere, Lavonne Leonard (Joe) of Cades, South Carolina, Mark Carlson (Tammy) of Kadoka, Lesa Addison (Sid) of Tuthill, and James Carlson of Kadoka; thirty-four grandchildren; sixty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great- granddaughter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Leonard was preceded in death by two sons, Lenus Carlson and Lonny Carlson; two granddaughters, Memory and Laura Rodgers; his parents; and a sister Ila Nowlin.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 17, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Art Weitschat and Pastor Gus Craven officiating.

Interment will be in the Kadoka Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established to the Concordia Lutheran Church of Kadoka. 

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, September 17, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Art Weitschat
Pastor Gus Craven
MUSIC BY
Boyd Porch - Carl Bauman - John Kaiser
USHERS
Jeff Konst - Scott Walker
PALLBEARERS
Larry Carlson - Charlie Carlson
Mark Carlson - James Carlson
Colter Carlson - Luke Carlson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation:  5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Prayer service:  7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 16, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Funeral services:  10:00 a.m. Friday, September 17, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Interment:  Kadoka Cemetery

  • My heart and deep sympathy goes out to all the Carlson family. What a sweet and loving man! I especially enjoyed that twinkle in his eyes whenever his was speaking of something he enjoyed.
    How wonderful of all of you to provide his care so he may stay at home. This is not an easy task but, one of great love!
    Praying now for your great comfort from the Loving Father that made loving fathers.     ~ Rebecca Williams Philip
  • Lillian and families,

    I am so sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. He was such a nice guy. I will miss seeing him driving down the street, being at "Grandma Lillian's" house when dropping off the kids. One of my favorite memories is when Lorena, Rikki, and I were shopping at People's market and just as we went around the corner of the produce isle Rikki says to me "mom, there is Grandpa Lillian" and I said "who?" and so she repeated "there goes Grandpa Lillian with a big smile on her face. As long as I can remember, Leonard and Lillian have been in my life one way or another. I remember Tish and Tom going to the State Fair with Lesa and James, but I was too young to go. Find strength in the love that surrounds you in these trying times. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers. May you breathe a deep, deep breath Leonard as now you are pain free. God Bless you.     ~ Ellie Bettelyoun Kadoka
  • Lillian and Family,

    My heart goes out to all of you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and will be with you in the days to come.
    Grandpa Carlson was a great friendly man, and will be missed dearly.     ~ Kendra Weller Mastel Mitchell, SD
  • Dear Lillian and Family,
    We were shocked and sadden to haer about Leonards passing. He seemed so full of life and healthy when we saw you last Aug. So very,very glad we stopped by. David has fond memories of you both and you have always been true friends all these years. Our love and prayers go out to you and the family. Thanks again Robin for calling us today. Wish we weren't so far away! God Bless you. Love, David and Kay     ~ David & Kay Singletary P.O. Box 352, Tooele, UT 84074
  • Grandma Lillian and family,

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Leonard. He was truly a great part of my childhood and was part of every ones family. I have so many great memories of Leonard growing up at Grandma Lillian's. Our prayers and thoughts be with you at this time of sorrow and remember all the great memories and that he is now at peace. Love you all you are all like a extended family when we all grow up so close to a specific family. God bless you all     ~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn Creswell, Oregon
  • Grandma Lillian and Families~
    May you feel the comfort of God in this difficult time. It is never easy to loose someone but know that he's not suffering anymore and he's walking the fields of heaven free of pain.
    Keep the memories close to your heart and remember that when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, that is because God is carrying you thru this time of grief.
    Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers!
    Love
    David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas Butler     ~ Michelle Butler Philip SD
  • Dear Grandma Lillian and Families,
    I am so sorry to hear of Leonards passing he always had a smile and always a hi no matter where he was. Just know that I am thinking of all of you in this most difficult time in your lives take care of each other. God bless Faye Kerkvliet     ~ Faye Kerkvliet Salem S.D.
  • Lillian and all,
    Leonard was always quick to ask "How's Dick doing?" I'm sure they have talked horses in heaven already and shared stories about their kids and grandkids. Lonny is in on the conversations too, I'm sure. It has only been 5 days since Dad's funeral, so I know exactly what you all are going through. We're here if you need anything. Cherish the memories and God will help you through this most difficult time.     ~ Randy & Holly (Vosberg) Nemec Midland
  • Dear Lillian and family,

    I am so sorry to hear about Leonard passing. You were our neighbors when I was born, and from the stories I have heard you babysat us quite a bit.

    We are thinking of you.
     ~ Louise McGannon Mitchell
  • We are so sorry to hear of Leonard's death. He was a very special person, loved by his family and neighbors. I did not meet Leonard until Larry and I started going together, but felt the love that only comes from a very special person, who cares for people.
    I know how hard it is to loose a dad, but remember his love will always be with all of you, and know that he is waiting for the day when you will all be together again. Treasure his memory and his love. God bless all of you and please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do to help you through this sorrowful time. Love to you all, Ann     ~ Ann and Larry Cvach Midland, SD
  • Condolences from the staff of Stulken, Petersen, Lingle, Walti & Jones ~ SPLW&J PIERRE SD
  • To all of Leonard's family,
    In the early 70's Leonard was a regular attendee at the Philip Livestock Auction. In fact he was there just a few weeks ago. His smile quick and his slow, easy talk was relaxing in a fast paced work place. He had a world of patience. We pray you find comfort in knowing he will be missed by others and that he left footprints on so many others lives as well as his family.     ~ Gary and Julie Nixon 22041 Deadman Creek Road, Philip, SD
  • So sorry to hear about your loss. I was one of the little ones who used to stay out at the Carlson place years ago. I remember riding the Arabian horses. It was a great place to be and a lot of fun. Your family has been through some hard times in the last few years, so I am sure you know how the Lord keeps you strong through these tough times. Please know that others care. ~ Roxy Formanek Hermosa SD
  • Grandma Carlson and family,

    Sorry to hear of Leonards passing. Always enjoyed working cattle with him and visiting with him when I would see him. Sorry we can't attend the services as we are in Illinois visiting family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

    EJ, Karin, Alaina and Grady Engelhaupt

     ~ EJ Engelhaupt 3902 S. College Park Ct. Gillette WY 82718
  • Lillian and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss.     ~ Sandy Olsen (Sherburne) 1700 Meadow Lane, Gillette, Wy. 82718
  • Lillian and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories and each other. God bless.     ~ Sandy Olsen (Sherburne) 1700 Meadow Lane, Gillette, Wy. 82718
  • We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. ~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore Fort Pierre
  • James and family,
    We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.     ~ Dave & Brenda Warfel Yankton, SD
  • Lillian and Families,
    We were so sorry to hear about Leonard. It's hard to let them go, but it's also a comfort to know he is no longer in pain. Remember all the good memories to get you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers     ~ Mary Jo Jones & Mike Stroppel Midldand, SD
  • Leonard was quick to support local raffels, had a smile to share and of late a hug was in order whenever we met. It isn't a position, but a disposition that makes one happy. Lillian and family, keep memories close. Faith makes things possible, not easy. ~ Marsha Sumpter Kadoka
  • Lillian & Family;
    My deepest sympathies to you all on the loss of a good man-he will be remembered fondly.     ~ pat k. Kadoka
  • Grandma Lillian and Family,
    I am sorry to hear about your loss. When reading that 'many times you could find extra children at their table' I smiled thinking how I was very often an 'extra' at the table with the grandchildren! My prayers and thoughts are with your family!     ~ Beth (Nemec) Bowen Denver, CO
  • So sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. What a great man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA