Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Kadoka.



Print Obituary

In memory of

Lillian Carlson

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 90

Lillian G. Erickson was born December 8, 1925, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, the daughter of Herman and Iva Jane (Garlock) Erickson.

Lillian attended grade school in Milesville, and often had to ride her horse to and from school. After the death of her father, Lillian helped care for many different families in the area helping care for their children before settling with the Werner family near Indian Creek northeast of Kadoka.

Lillian was united in marriage to Leonard Carlson on June 17, 1944, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They made their home in Killeen, Texas, where Leonard was a surgical tech in the US Army, at Camp Hood. After his honorable discharge, they were happy to return to Indian Creek. In the late 40’s, they began their life of raising children. They had ten children of their own, but many times you could find extra children at their dinner table.

Growing up in many different homes, Lillian saw the need for a stable home for anyone that did not have one, so when her children were of school age she started Grandma Lillian’s Daycare in 1974. Lillian cared for numerous kids throughout her many years, and was considered everyone’s Grandma. She continued to run the daycare as long as she could retiring at the age of 87.

During her retirement years Lillian enjoyed watching reality tv shows such as “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette” and “American Idol.” She enjoyed the challenge of picking the winners. Lillian spent many special evenings watching these shows with her family.

Lillian was also an avid “The Price is Right” and Denver Broncos fan, and enjoyed watching her team win this year’s Super Bowl.

Survivors include seven children, Larry (Robin) Carlson of Pierre, Charlie (Kathleen) Carlson of Kadoka, Glenda Carlson of Kadoka, Lavonne (Joe) Leonard of Kingstree, South Carolina, Mark (Tammy) Carlson of Kadoka, Lesa (Sid) Addison of Tuthill, and James Carlson of Kadoka; son-in-law, Mike Perault of Belvidere; 34 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Edna Sprauge of Charlotte, Michigan; a step-brother, Robert “Bob” Stengel of Arizona; a half-sister, Lydia Stengel-Rowe (Dennis) of Bozeman, Montana; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Leonard; two sons, Lonny and Lenus Carlson; one daughter, Marlene Perault; two granddaughters , Memorie and Laura Rodgers; one great-grandson, Cameron Carlson; three brothers, Don, Harvey, and Eddie Erickson; her twin sister, Lorraine Erickson at infancy; and one-step brother Henry Stengel.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Kadoka.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Duane Neugebauer and Pastor Gus Craven officiating.


Open the Memorial Folder

VISITATION
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - 4-7 p.m.
Concordia Lutheran Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
MUSIC
Guitarist - Lonny Johnston
Vocalists - Cally Carlson - Alex Smiley
“Dancing In The Sky”
“I Won’t Let Go”
Congregational hymn
“Jesus Loves Me”
USHERS
Lori Carlson - Tashia Porch
Coleen Sprecher - Melonie Steffen
PALLBEARERS
Jessi Carlson - Frank Carlson - Colter Carlson
Jerad Carlson - Seth Carlson - Johnny Rogers
John Riggins - Bert Perault - Michael Livermont
Luke Carlson - Kahler Addison - Kevin Carlson
Oliver Livermont
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Lillian’s Friends and Family
Lillian’s Daycare Babysitting Children
Lillian’s Caretakers
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • Our sincere sympathy to Lillian's family, she was a special lady and meant so much to so many people. Cherish the memories! ~ Randy and Holly (Vosberg) Nemec Midland, SD (5/5/2016)
  • Our thoughts are with the family . She touched so many lives and had an extra talent when dealing with children. I always enjoyed visiting with her. May she rest in peace knowing she touched so many lives. ~ Mike and Amelia Belvidere (5/4/2016)
  • Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. This precious lady has earned her rest. ~ Justin & Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (5/3/2016)
  • Sorry for your loss..what a great lady. She always made me feel welcome when I was at the farm/ranch. ~ Laren Srb Stayton OR. (5/2/2016)
  • Sending love and hugs to all of the family. ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (4/29/2016)
  • My thoughts & prayers are with the family. Lillian was a staple to Kadoka area youth. ~ Ang Madsen-Gilchrist Nebraska (4/29/2016)
  • Lillian was the sweetest lady, everyone's grandma. Sending hugs and condolences to all of her loved ones. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Merti Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (4/28/2016)
  • Our condolences. You're in our prayers. - Mae & family ~ Mae Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (4/28/2016)
  • As I read through the greetings, I have to say that Heather Olney said it best. I have many fond memories of Grandma Lillian. Many prayers to the entire Carlson family. ~ Shalista Anderson Sioux Falls, SD (4/28/2016)
  • When God said he need an angel for Kadoka Lillian said I will go and she became the children of this towns best friend, and the LOVE she show them and everyone will last forever in our hearts. Now God needs her back so we say check on the ones in heaven Lillian for us until we meet again. Sending our love and hugs to the Carlson Familys ~ Bonnie and Bruce Madsen Kadoka S.D. (4/28/2016)
  • Lilian was the friendliest person I have ever met. ~ GRABLE TEXAS (4/28/2016)
  • My sincere Condolences and Prayers to all the Family. Lillian was always there with a smile and help for anyone and everyone. With Deep Sympathy and Love, Ed ~ Ed Seidler Phoenix, AZ (4/28/2016)
  • I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the Carlson family. I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing your mother to take care of and love so many of us she helped raise. She made all of us children feel like we were a part of your family and made us feel loved. She was the face of kindness and compassion for so many of us. She was the face of love for so many of us. Thank you again for graciously sharing her with me and so many other children! She was love and she is loved! God Bless! ~ Heather Olney Omaha, NE (4/28/2016)
  • We were so very sorry to hear about Lillian passing away. She will always have a warm place in our hearts, for her friendship and kindness over the years. What a dear lady she was. She will be greatly missed but the memories live on. She will never be forgotten. Love, Prayers and hugs to the whole "Carlson" family. ~ David & Kay Singletary Battle Ground, WA (4/27/2016)
  • Dear Carlson Family, We are so sorry to hear of Lillian's passing, she was loved by so many and made everyone feel like family. Please know you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless. ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (4/27/2016)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Lillian was a surrogate mother to so many of us from the area. Her kindness to my family when we were neighbors will never be forgotten. RIP Lillian. ~ Louise McGannon Mitchell, SD (4/27/2016)
  • Our condolences. Lillian will be remembered for all of her kindness. Wonderful Lady. ~ Kyle & Shiloh Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD (4/27/2016)
  • What wonderful memories she leaves with all of you. She was such a such, kind, gentle and living person. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of her incredible family members. Gods Blessings. ~ Kippy Udehn and Bill Murphy Huron, SD (4/27/2016)