Obituaries from the week of November 21, 2001 Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Howard Carlson, 62

Mass of Christian Burial was held for Howard John Carlson on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2001 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lake Mills, IA. Father Craig Steimel officiated. Lector was Steve Pederson and organist was LeeAnn Raulie.

Pallbearers were Joel Twedt, Mark Alphs, Craig Reiter, Brian Reiter, Ray Gratke and Joel Kunkel.

Howard John Carlson was born January 15, 1939 to Austin and Katherine (Brecht) Carlson. He grew up on a farm near Tracy. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1957 and attended South Dakota State University from 1957 to 1959.

On July 21, 1965, Howard married Lucy Reiter in St. Paul, MN. They made their home and raised their children in Lake Mills, IA. Howard worked for the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific Railroads for 24 years.

Howard enjoyed the simple things in life like going for long car rides with his wife and pushing his granddaughter on the swing. He couldn't bear watching the Minnesota Vikings lose and was known for making a mean bowl of chili. Having a soft spot for his dogs Foxie and Jack, Howard always made sure they ate just as good as he did.

A lifelong learner, Howard enjoyed keeping up on current events and could often be seen reading an encyclopedia. Over coffee, Howard spiritedly debated political issues with anyone who could keep up with his sharp wit and quick sense of humor.

Howard died on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001 at the age of 62 years, 8 months and 11 days.

Survivors include his wife Lucy; his son James Carlson, his wife Jody and their daughter Katie of Chicago City, MN; his daughter Tracey Mason and her husband Matt of Cedar Rapids, IA; his brother Claire Carlson of Fredericksburg, VA, his brother Don Carlson of Toledo, OH; his sister Ann Bjerk of Mesa, AZ and his aunt Lucille Brecht of Austin, MN.

Howard was preceded in death by his children, his parents, his brothers Duane and David Carlson and his father-in-law Paul Reiter.

Interment was at Sunnyside Cemetery in Lake Mills, IA. Mittelstadt Funeral Home of Lake Mills handled arrangements.

Ivadell Dammen, 82

Funeral services will be held for Ivadell E. Marie Dammen, 82, resident of the Tracy Nursing Home and formerly of Walnut Grove, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church south of Walnut Grove on Friday, November 23, 2001 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Ivadell passed away on Monday, November 19 at the Tracy Nursing Home.

The Jacobson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A complete obituary will be printed next week.

Robert W. Nelson, 78

Funeral services for Robert Nelson, age 78, of Tracy, are pending with the Almlie Funeral Home of Tracy. Mr. Nelson passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 21, 2001.

A complete obituary will be published next week.