Carson, Gladys A.

Gladys A. Carson, 89 of Ely, died Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a stroke. Services will be 10:30 a.m. today at St. John Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Jeff Borgwardt presiding. Burial will follow in Anderson Cemetery in Swisher. Arrangements are with Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Gladys was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Swisher, the daughter of John and Mary Josifek Kulhavy. She was a graduate of Shueyville High School. On Nov. 26, 1942, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, she married Keith E. Carson. Gladys was actively involved in the Ely community. Her involvement included the Dorcas Society, Senior Dining, St. John Lutheran Church, Ely Public Library, Friendship Club, Town and Country, TOPS, and recognition for a 30-year achievement of KOPS, and was a member of Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Ariz. Gladys was a 4-H leader for eight years, a lifelong Republican and poll worker. She was very proud of her Czech heritage.

Gladys had a big heart and was always there to lend a helping hand. Faith and family were incredibly important to her.

Gladys is survived by her sons, David (Judie) Carson of Wheatland, John (Julie) Carson of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Tim (Christine) Carson of Palo; a daughter, Marjorie Carson Zach of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Dennis (Leigh) Carson, Daryl (Julie) Carson, Dani (Willie) Newman and Katie Carson, Joshua and Jenna Zach, Curt and Luke Carson; great-grandchildren: Janay and Blake and Austin; a brother, Milo (Helen) Kulhavy of Casa Grande, Ariz.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith E. Carson on July 16, 2005; a son, Michael Carson; a brother, Lumir Kulhavy; and sisters, Marie Salon, and L. Irene Swaney.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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