Kathleene Amelia Carlson

CELEBRANT
Rev. Fr. Gerald Thury
MUSIC
Organist ~ Kathy Koenig
Soloist ~ Pam Novak
St. Leo Choir & Congregation
Processional ~ “Amazing Grace”
Offertory Hymn ~ “How Great Thou Art”
Communion Hymn ~ “Be Not Afraid”
Recessional ~ “On Eagle’s Wings”
CASKETBEARERS
Bryan Carlson
Jeff Carlson
Dan Carlson
Steve Gassen
Bill Gassen
Josh Gassen
Kathleene Amelia Carlson was born on Thursday, April 5, 1917 in Tyndall, South Dakota. She was the only child born to Adolph and Albina (Trunec) Dvoracek.  She was among the 41 graduates of Tyndall High School’s original black-and-orange Panthers in 1934. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching from Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield. Kathleene was united in marriage to Roger Carlson on July 10, 1939 at Tyndall. They lived in California for 10 years, then returned to the area and lived in Tyndall, Pickstown and Gregory, returning to Tyndall upon retirement. Kathleene was a dedicated teacher for most of her adult years and was a 2nd grade teacher in Gregory for 18 years, retiring at age 72.  She was an avid reader and her other pastimes included working on puzzles, organizing her photo albums, and playing pinochle and bridge at the Senior Citizen’s Center. Always an enthusiastic sports fan, Kathleene enjoyed attending her grandson’s football games and following professional and NCAA basketball - especially rooting for Georgetown during “March Madness.” She was a faithful member of St. Leo Catholic Church, St. Leo Altar Society, and was a 60-year member of the Women’s Order of Catholic Forresters. She was inducted into the National Teacher’s Honor Society in 1973, and was also a member of the Bon Homme Retired Teacher’s Association. Kathleene passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, having attained the age of 93 years, 1 month and 7 days.
Kathleene is survived by two children: son Jim Carlson of Sioux City, Iowa and daughter Charlene (Matt) Gassen of Sioux Falls; ten grandchildren: Bryan (Kelley) Carlson of Rapid City, Brad Carlson of Kansas City, Kansas, Clayton Carlson of Spokane, Washington, Christine Carlson of Seattle, Washington, Jeff (Shawn) Carlson of Dakota Dunes, Dan (Mickey) Carlson of Alliance, Nebraska, Jennifer (Ken) Petersen of Moville, Iowa, Steve (Kelsey) Gassen of Houston, Texas, Bill (Jill) Gassen of Sioux Falls, and Josh (Marci) Gassen of Dakota Dunes; 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Kathleene is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Carlson in 1996, and her son, Ron Carlson in 2007.