Varlen Carlson
Varlen Dean Carlson was born on December 7, 1932, to Chester and Clara Speck Carlson of rural Stratford. He attended Stanhope Independent School District where he graduated in 1950. He attended farm operations winter sessions at Iowa State University. In 1951 he won the 4-H record book award trip to the Chicago International Livestock Exposition where he met his future wife, Fern Arends from Williams. Varlen and Fern married in 1953.
Uncle Sam drafted Varlen into the Army in 1953. Upon discharge he returned to Iowa to farm and live near Stanhope.
Varlen served on the South Hamilton School Board during the redistricting transition in the late 1960s. He was president of Hawkeye Antique Acres near Waukee for over 30 years. An International Harvester enthusiast, he displayed gas engines, tractors and trucks at the Central Hawkeye Gas Engine and Tractor Association shows and around the Midwest for many years.
An avid traveler and collector, he and his wife Fern founded and operated Country Relics Village for 14 years. His village delights were the miniature engine show, his full-size McCormick Machines dealership and giving rides in the touring Model T.
A charter member of the National International Harvester Collectors Club. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Iowa, Chapter #5. He was a member of two local car clubs. He enjoyed displaying his vintage vehicles at various local and regional car shows and Red Power Roundups. He was also a member of the American Truck Historical Society and the Horseless Carriage Club of America.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Fern, his four children Nan (Gary) Stubbs of Ankeny, Pam (Ron) Holtan of Des Moines, Brad ( Karleen) Carlson of Jewell, Matt (Carol) Carlson of Stratford. Twelve grandchildren Alissa (Daryl) Rauser of Ankeny, TJ (Ashley) Tollakson of Des Moines, Jessica Tollakson of West Des Moines, Kristi (John) Hodges of Estes Park, Michael (Sayali) Holtan of Ankeny, Brandon (Amanda) Holtan, Austin (Tarra) Carlson of Story City, Alayna (Caleb) Kester of Clive, Calvin Carlson of Jewell, Ethan Carlson of West Des Moines, Miranda Carlson of Stratford, Kayla Carlson of Eldridge, Fifteen great-grandchildren: Dylan, Tyson, Tegan Rauser, Theo, Drew, Frankie Tollakson, Huck, Gil, Otis Holtan, Fiston and Evelyn Carlson, Caeden, Delaynie, Emmett, Aubrielle Kester, his brothers Richard (Dick) and Chris, his sisters Joann Johnston and Jane Arends, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Clara, sister Karen, his in-laws Bernard and Alberta Arends, brothers-in-law James Johnston, Larry Arends, Gene Olson, Richard (Dick) Peterson and Ralph King, sisters-in-law Sonya Carlson and Bernadine King and nephew Axel (Ed) Olson.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at the Randall Gym in Randall. Program at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow.