Roger Alan Carlson

Roger Alan Carlson passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and close friends on the evening of April 10, 2016. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at United Methodist Church in Van Meter-Pastor Linda Steuve presiding. Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt, IA-Pastor Judy Junkermeir presiding. Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. Friday at McCalley Funeral Home in Adel where family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Roger was born near Wesley, Iowa on the family farm October 21, 1942 to Jay and Helen (Molamphy) Carlson. He attended country school for 7 years, then attended and graduated from Britt High School. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army Reserves. After his service, he held several different jobs as a linemen, lumberyard employee, and worked at Winnebago Industries until he rented his first farm. Roger had a true love of farming and went on to rent several farms until purchasing his own. He married Barbara Jean Keeton, daughter of George and Virginia (Gharst) Keeton, on February 27, 1965 in Mason City, Iowa. In this union, they had two children, Ron and Deb. Roger was happiest caring for his livestock, teaching his children about farming, gardening, and in his spare time woodworking. His children followed in his footsteps with riding their own dirt bikes and love of motorcycles. He enjoyed the company of numerous friends and neighbors. Roger was a regular attendant of the Doan Methodist Church rural Titonka, Iowa in which he was an UMYF leader, taught Sunday school, was the church lay leader, and for several years was on the state Methodist board. Roger retired from farming in the late 1990s, moving to Adel, Iowa to be close to his children and grandson. During this time, he worked 10 years for Monarch Manufacturing. In 2006, he and Barb then moved to Van Meter, Iowa. He attended Van Meter Methodist Church of which he was a trustee. He officially retired in 2010 and began traveling with his wife in their motorhome. All their married life they enjoyed traveling and saw much of the country. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, going to farm auctions, and collecting John Deere memorabilia. Roger was such a kind, gentle man with a huge heart and would help anyone in need. Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Ron; daughter, Deb; grandson, Ryan; brothers, Dave (Ramona) and Jerry (Judy); sister, Shirley (Steve) Newton, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of South Central Iowa. Online condolences may be left on this site.