Mildred Carlson

Mildred Carlson, 89, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and longtime Keokuk resident, died unexpectedly Thursday, January 16, 2014, at the Henry County Health Center Emergency Room. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 20, 2014, beginning at 12 noon at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. that evening. A visitation in Keokuk will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, at the DeJong - Greaves Celebration of Life Center, 1212 Concert Street, Keokuk, IA, from 2-7 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. that evening. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 22nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Celebration of Life Center in Keokuk with the Reverend William S. Mitchell officiating. Interment will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. Memorials have been established to the United Presbyterian Church of Keokuk and Henry County Health Center Foundation towards the purchase of an infant transport carrier for the ambulance service. Born May 27, 1924, in Keokuk, IA, Mildred Marie was the daughter of John B. and Orpha (Scott) Kelley. During her formative years, the family lived between Sand Springs, OK and Keokuk, IA. She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1942. On September 7, 1947, she married Vernon "Swede" Carlson in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on May 27, 1996. Mildred moved to Mt. Pleasant in 2008, where she resided at the Sunnybrook Assisted Living complex. After high school, Mildred worked at Scouton's Bakery and then Thomas Trucking. A devoted wife and mother, Mildred sold Avon products while her daughter, Sally, attended grade school. She later worked as a banker at Security State Bank (Norwest Bank) for 20 years. She retired from this position in February 1988. Mildred was an active member of the Second Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was a director of the choir. She later continued her membership at the United Presbyterian Church and participated in the Women's Association. She was a member of the Friendship Circle of King's Daughters. Mildred enjoyed music and singing. As a couple, Mildred and Swede enjoyed dancing. She loved traveling and adored her grand-dog, Bizzy. A favorite pastime was visiting with people over a cup of coffee. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Tim Olson of Mt. Pleasant, IA; a brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, Swede, Mildred is preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Cindy Lou Carlson; two brothers, John Kelley and Lorenzo Kelley, Sr.; and two sisters, Helen Swan and Gladys Hudson.