Marty I. Carlson

A graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Moses Hill Cemetery in rural Loomis, Nebraska, with Pastor Darren Theesen officiating.

Funeral Services for Marty Carlson will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastors Jan Gluth King and Darren Theesen officiating. Following the funeral service, cremation will take place and a private inurnment will be held at the Moses Hill Evangelical Free Cemetery in rural Phelps County, Nebraska.

Marlyn Irene "Marty" Carlson, 86 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Marty was born on March 31, 1938, in Holdrege, the third child to Phil and Fern (Miller) Erickson. She was baptized on July 24, 1938, at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Marty received her primary education from District #45 Country School through the 6th grade and then attended District #30 Avondale Country School until the 8th grade. Marty attended and graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1955. She then pursued higher education to attain her aspiration of becoming a nurse from Lincoln General School of Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated in 1959. By the end of 1959, she passed her nursing exams, and was employed at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1960, Marty accepted the position of Supervisor of Surgery for the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

On July 5, 1961, she was united in marriage to Stan Carlson in Holdrege, and from this union, two sons were born: Randal and Gregory. They made their home on the family farm, eight miles northwest of Holdrege, where they farmed and fed cattle. Marty absolutely loved working alongside her husband on the farm. and she could often be found driving the auger wagon, discing fields, and driving the grain truck to the elevator. In 2007, the couple moved to Holdrege. Stan and Marty enjoyed traveling around the United States as well as to other countries. The couple were married a little over 50 years, prior to Stan's death in 2011.

Marty was active in the community, serving as Secretary of the American Heart Association, President of the Garden Club, Secretary of the Band Mothers, and as Tassel Performing Arts Center Board Member. She served at Bethel Lutheran Church in many different capacities through the years. Marty was also a member of the local RN Club and volunteered at Holdrege Memorial Homes, playing bridge and other games.

Marty enjoyed all aspects of nursing. She worked at the Brewster Clinic for many years, and Holdrege Memorial Homes as well as Christian Homes as the Education Coordinator, where she taught Nurse's Aide and Med Aide Classes.

Marty loved to be outside mowing or working in her garden and took pride in her lawn. She enjoyed spending time at Harlan County Lake and Johnson Lake, camping with her family, golfing, playing Bridge, reading the Bible, and attending Bible studies.

Marty was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she served in many capacities, including Sunday school teacher, President of Circle, Secretary of Bethel Women, and a member of several different committees. She also enjoyed tying quilts and was a member of the Bell Choir. Marty especially loved music and playing the piano.

Besides her parents and her husband, Marty was preceded in death by; a son, Gregory on November 11, 2001, a brother Stanley Erickson, and three brothers-in-law: Stuart Carlson, Ron Brooks, and Jere Callahan.

Survivors include her son, Randal (Terri) Carlson of Dixon, Illinois, two grandchildren: Spenser Carlson (Chelsea DePasquale) of Davenport, Iowa, and Madeleine (Andrew) Carlson-Widolff of Fort Worth, Texas, one brother: Harold (Judy) Erickson of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, one sister LaDell Callahan of California four sisters-in-law: Elaine (Bud) Exstrom of Lincoln, Nebraska, Susan Brooks of Lincoln, Janet Erickson of Holdrege, and Annie Carlson of Palm Desert, California, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege with family greeting from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the UNL Scholarship Fund or to the family for later designation.

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.