Curtis Carlson

Curtis Carlson, age 75, of Marquette, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023, at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 22 at Monroe Evangelical Free Church, 1001 West 18 Road, Phillips.  Pastor Joe Mullarkey will officiate.  Interment will be in the Monroe Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, at the church.  The service will be livestreamed on the Monroe Evangelical Free Church website, https://www.monroefree.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the family to be designated at a later date. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Curtis Rodney Carlson, the son of Carl Rudolph and Irene Mabel (Carl) Carlson, was born in Grand Island, on July 29, 1948 and entered Glory on the farm in Marquette, on November 17, 2023 at the age of 75.  Curt was raised on the family farm and graduated from Marquette High School in 1966.  He received a Building Construction degree from Milford after attending from June 1966 - December 1967.  Curt attended Trinity College (Deerfield, IL) from January 1968 - May 1968.
Curt entered the U.S. Navy on December 4, 1968.  He was on the USS Ajax before heading to Vietnam.  He served 2 tours in Vietnam with the Construction Battalion (CBs) and achieved the rank of BU2 E5.  Curt was honorably discharged on August 9, 1971 and served in the Naval Reserve until December 2, 1974.  While serving his country, Curt earned the National Defense Service Medal and M-16 Qualified (Sharpshooter) and many others.
Curt came home from the service to farm around Marquette.  He married the love of his life, Carla Jean Campbell on December 1, 1973.  Over the next 50 years, they raised four sons on the family farm; Chad, Cale, Cody and Casey and have been blessed by 17 grandchildren.  Curt farmed row crops, raised hogs and cattle, and enjoyed all the challenges farming presented. His talent for building served him well as he endeavored to solve problems and improve efficiencies. He was proud of the business he grew while working alongside his son and partner, Cale, over the last 25 years. Curt loved serving the surrounding community in many ways.  He held several positions faithfully.  At Monroe Evangelical Free Church he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, building committee chair, and youth group leader.  Curt served on the Midwest District Board of the Evangelical Free Church and on the Aurora Coop Board, Timberlake Ranch Camp Board and was a member of the Gideons.  
Curt loved his Savior, Jesus Christ and wanted everyone he came in contact with to have the same saving faith. His love of the Lord was exemplified in his family devotion, generosity, patriotism, craftsmanship, and a heart for missions. His life touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy.
Curt was preceded in death by his father and mother, fathers-in-law, John Campbell and Calvin Miller, sister-in-law, Beverly Ruybalid, brothers-in-law, Roy Bebee and Barry Handrup.  
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carla, four sons, Chad (Yvonne) Carlson of Aurora, Cale (Megan) Carlson of Marquette, Cody (Gina) Carlson of Elkhorn and Casey (Andrea) Carlson of Lincoln.  Curt was blessed with 17 grandchildren, Kyla, Caden, Jenna and Ryan Carlson of Aurora, Laura (Grant) Wilson of Giltner, Ethan, Amanda, Adam and David Carlson of Marquette, Jacob, Elijah, Matthew and Asher Carlson of Elkhorn, Isaiah, Zane, Leah and Jadon Carlson of Lincoln, mother-in-law, Mary Lou Campbell/Miller, sisters Barb Bebee of Colorado Springs, CO, Ardith Handrup of Hampton, Dorene (Daryl) Borgquist of Mcgaheysville, VA, brother Bill (Michelle) Carlson of Castle Rock, CO, sisters-in-law Mary (Jeff) Judy of Lee’s Summit, MO, Kathleen (Joe) Schrier of Omaha, Rebecca (Bryce) Pederson of Cumberland, WI and brothers-in-law, John (Stephanie) Campbell of Wilmot, SD, Jon Ruybalid of Henderson and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.