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Grant Harold Carlson, 61, of Stratford, died Sunday, September 6, 2026. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Stratford Fire Station. Funeral services will also be held at the Stratford Fire Station at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2026. Burial will follow at South Marion Cemetery. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with caring for Grant and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grant's family so they may honor Grant through many of his favorite charities.
Grant Harold Carlson, son of Arnold and Donna (Larson) Carlson, was born October 23, 1964, in Boone. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1983. On November 21, 1992, Grant was united in marriage to Tenette Flaherty at Stratford Lutheran Church. To this union, two sons were born, Coyce Arnold and Cayson Grant. Grant worked as a farmer at Carlson Farms, working in all facets of the operation alongside his dad, brothers, sons, and cousins. Grant's three grandsons, Camden, Caylor, and Clay, meant the world to him. He was so proud to be their Grandpa! The love and laughter they shared on their many adventures were endless! They held a very special place in his heart and brought him some of his greatest happiness. Giving the boys rides in the side by side, red tractors, the semi and a favorite was the skid loader. Feeding the cows together was a bright start to every day!
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tennie; sons, Coyce (Kylee) Carlson and Cayson Carlson (Shea Hassebrock) all of Stratford; grandsons, Camden Arnold, Caylor Ashby, and Clay August Carlson; mother, Donna Carlson of Stratford; sister, Brenda Carlson of Polk City; brothers, Greg Carlson and Rick (April) Carlson, both of Stratford; seven nieces and nephews; three great-nieces; brother-in-law, Travis Flaherty of Stratford; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lois (John) Larson of Stratford; along with many extended family members and numerous friends.
Grant was preceded in death by his father, Arnie Carlson; sister-in-law, Marlys Carlson and second cousin, Ryan Carlson.
He never missed a fishing trip-ice or not, loved hosting a party or attending one, power washing all the farm machinery-his toys or his favorite red pickups, the 4th of July at Camp Crescent, the Hamilton County Fair, camping at the Iowa State Fair for the last 34 years or clipping recipes and making delicious concoctions or mastering the grill. Grant truly enjoyed a cold drink with friends anytime!
Grant was truly one of those people who never met a stranger. He seemed to know everyone, and more importantly, everyone seemed to know Grant. Whether at the farm, the fire station, a community event, or simply out and about, Grant always had time for a conversation, a story, or a good laugh. He had a way of making people feel welcome and connected, and his friendships reached far beyond his immediate family. His love for his community was evident in the many ways he gave of his time and talents.
He was a member of Stratford Fire and Rescue since 1986, serving as fire chief for 10 years and, for the last 12 years, as assistant fire chief. Grant was also a member of the Hamilton County Cattlemen's Association, Stratford Telephone Company, Team Iowa Snowmobiles, Hamilton County 911 Board, Iowa State Fair 1854 Society, and Skillet Creek Cattle Crew.