Leo W. Carlson

Leo W. Carlson, 94, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, formerly of Onawa, Iowa, died on Sunday, January 8, 2017 in Bettendorf, Iowa. HE ENTERED THIS WORLD AMID GREAT DARKNESS – HE LEFT THIS WORLD HAVING GENERATED GREAT LIGHT. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Onawa with Pastor Bryan Myers of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Pastor Michael Lewis, officiating. Interment will be held at Belvidere Cemetery, Turin, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Army, David McNeill American Legion Post #129 of Onawa, and the Monona County VFW Post #2694. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 with a prayer service at 6:30 P.M. at the Rush Family Chapel in Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa. Leo was born on July 15, 1922, in Belvidere Township (Iowa) to Charles Carlson and Carrie (Peterson) Carlson. He graduated high school from a one-room school near Soldier, Iowa with his class of 1942. Leo served his country in the Army in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning home, he met and married Virginia N. Thompson of Soldier, Iowa on January 14, 1947. Leo and Virginia lived in Lincoln, NE shortly after their marriage and returned to Monona County the following year to spend the next 60 years and raise their family. Leo worked for Union Pacific Railroad from 1949 to 1958 and for the Army Corp of Engineers on waterway management of rivers in SW Iowa until his retirement. He joined First Christian Church in Onawa in 1951 and served as a deacon and elder for several decades and as Elder Emeritus in his later years. Upon his wife's passing in 2007 Leo moved to Lee's Summit, Missouri where he lived the past ten years until entering hospice in Bettendorf, Iowa. He was a member of Blue Springs Christian Church. He loved woodworking, clock building and repair and Biblical archeology. Leo is survived by his five children, Rick Carlson and wife Myra Carlson of Lee's Summit, Missouri; Linda Wicks and husband Tom Wicks of Bettendorf, Iowa; Randal Carlson and wife Donna Carlson of Lee's Summit, Missouri; Roger Carlson and wife Teresa Carlson of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Rustin Carlson and wife Laura Carlson of Grandview, Missouri. Leo is also survived by 14 grandchildren (Carissa Davis & husband Andrew; Ryan Carlson; Jenni Hanson; Spencer Wicks & wife Amy; Tyler Wicks & wife Noelle; Jessica Griffiths & husband Bill; Nathan Carlson & wife Jen; Drue Carr & husband Neil; Travis Carlson & wife Lauren; Nick Carlson; Rena Coates & husband Brent; Josiah Carlson & wife Christina; Mekenzie Thompson & husband Lee Thompson; & Malachi Carlson, plus 22 great-grandchildren. In addition, Leo is survived by his stepbrother Keith Carlson & wife Robyn Carlson of Turin, Iowa. Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Virginia N. Carlson, his parents, Charles Carlson & Carrie Lawrenson, his step-parents, Geneva Carlson & Jay Lawrenson, and three half-siblings, Mary Woodward, Roma Bonnes and Kevin Carlson. Leo will be deeply missed by his family and friends. We are so proud of you Dad for living an amazing life and finishing this journey so well. You modeled hard work, deep love, strong moral values and an unwavering commitment to your family, your wife and your Savior, Jesus Christ. You graced the earth with your life, your humor, your service and your faith, and you raised a family of 53 people before your death. Many would say you were dealt a poor hand at birth, but through devotion to Christ and your family, you turned it into a full house. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter now into the joy of your salvation. We love you, Dad! We're so proud of you. We'll miss you. Give Mom a hug and a kiss from us! Condolences and memories may be left online for the family at www.rushfamilycareservice.com