Carroll E Landstrom

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Carroll E. Landstrom will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Axtell, Nebraska with Pastor David Evenson officiating.  Inurnment will be held in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery following the services with military honors provided by the Minden/Axtell American Legion Post #94; the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Carroll Ervin Landstrom, 90 years of age, of Axtell, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege, Nebraska.  Carroll was born January 14, 1927 on the family farm south of Axtell in Kearney County, Nebraska, the second of two sons born to Ervin and Stella (Johnson) Landstrom.  He received his primary education at District #44, and District #19 in Kearney County, and then graduated from Axtell High School with the class of 1944.

Following his education, Carroll enlisted into the United States Navy on January 13, 1945, and served his country during WW II as a fireman and engine room specialist aboard the U.S.S. Kwajalein (CVE-98) in the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign.  After the conclusion of the war, Carroll was honorably discharged on July 19, 1946, and returned home to the family farm south of Axtell.

Carroll loved the labor of the land, and over his lifetime often spoke about the enormous amount of change he witnessed throughout his years of farming.  Carroll was proud to be part of, and pass on, the fifth generation farming operation that meant so much to him.

On August 16, 1950, Carroll was united in marriage to Elaine Rost, and to this union three children were born:  Larry, Barbara, and Susan.  The couple made their home in Holdrege for a period of time, before moving to the farm south of Axtell.  In later years they returned to Holdrege.  On January 23, 1981, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine.  In the early 90's, Carroll began to make his home in town at Axtell.

Carroll loved the outdoors, was an avid reader of Western novels, history, and especially enjoyed books on WW II, and aviation.  He also enjoyed collecting motorcycles, antique cars and tractors, and military equipment.

In October 2016, Carroll and his grandson, Jason were privileged to go on the Dawson County Hero Flight to Washington D.C.  This was a much anticipated trip, and provided lifetime memories for both.  Carroll was the only WW II Veteran on the trip, and one of the many highlights was being chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

He was a longtime member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege until transferring his membership to Bethany Lutheran Church southeast of Axtell.  With his wife Elaine's dedication as church organist, music was always a big part of their lives.  Whether it was the church organ or classical music, many hours of playing and listening were enjoyed.

Besides his wife, Elaine; Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Landstrom and his wife, Velma; brother-in-law, Waldo Rost and his wife, Marcia; and a nephew, Darryl Landstrom.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his son, Larry Landstrom and his wife, Renee of Axtell; two daughters:  Barbara Hanson and her husband, Howard of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, and Susan Rieker and her husband, Arlyn of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; eight grandchildren:  Matthew Hanson and his wife, Brittany; Jennifer Nothwehr and her husband, Jeff; Kristi Foster and her husband, Brian; McKayla Hanson; Aaron Landstrom and Stephanie Korus; Jason Landstrom and his wife, Jayleen; McKenna Rieker; and Mitch Rieker; four great-grandchildren:  Calli, Gracelyn, and Hadley Hanson, and Revyn Landstrom;and a host of nieces, a nephew, other relatives and friends.

Memorial book signing will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Carroll's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.