Marlen E. Carlson, 81, of rural Lewis, and the Lyman, IA area, died Tuesday morning, April 13, 2010 at the Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Marlen Edward Carlson Jr. was born November 14, 1928 at Red Oak, IA, the son of Marlen Edward and Gladys (Hermanson) Carlson. He grew up in the Essex area, was baptized and confirmed his baptismal vows in St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex and graduated from Essex High School. In 1950, he joined the Army and spent 18 months in Germany as part of the occupation forces during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned to Essex and worked with his father in the plumbing and heating business. On October 4, 1953 he was united in marriage to Mardyl Rose Mueller at St. John's United Church of Christ south of Lyman and they lived in Essex until 1959 when they moved to a farm north of Lyman which they later purchased and where they currently reside. Marlen was a member of St. John's UCC and had served on the Church board. He was also a member of the Weatherall-Hadden-Holmes American Legion Post # 333 in Essex. Through the years, Marlen was an avid sports participant and sports fan. He often joked about retiring from softball at the age of 42 and has always cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys and Dale Earnhardt.

Preceding Marlen in death were his parents, Marlen and Gladys, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Lawrence and Elsie Mueller, his sisters Dorothy Micheli and Phyllis Ingrim and his brother-in-law Hank Mueller.

Surviving his passing are his wife Mardyl of the home, his sons Jeff and his significant other Lela Bergren of Griswold and Jerry and his wife Karen of Atlantic, his step-granddaughter and step great-grandchildren, Danielle Rosenmeyer and husband Ryan and their children Caden and Mabel of Grimes, IA. Also surviving are his sister Cleo (Bill) Royer of Essex, his sisters-in-law Marlene (Bob) Meents of Blue Hill, NE, Donna (Bud) Radke of Lake Havasu City, AZ and Janice Conn of Griswold, and his brother-in-law Roscoe Ingrim of Riverside, CA, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. John's United Church of Christ south of Lyman, Pastor Celeste Waymire officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery prior to the memorial service in a private family graveside. Open visitation will be at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold and the family will be present from 6:00 to 7:30 PM Thursday evening. The casket will remain closed at all times at Marlen's request.