Lloyd Carlson

Lloyd Charles Carlson, 86, formerly of Ricketts, Iowa, passed away on November 28, 2025. Lloyd was born on October 24, 1939, to Charles and Clara (Zobel) Carlson in Charter Oak, Iowa. He graduated from Charter Oak High School with the Class of 1958. After graduating, Lloyd served in the United States Army from April 6, 1959, until his honorable discharge on May 4, 1962.

On August 27, 1960, Lloyd was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Bagford in Dayton, Ohio. Six children were born to this union: Harry Carlson, Lisa (Michael) Angle of Stanberry, Missouri, Leon Carlson, Lloyd Carlson Jr. (Lashelle) of Norwalk, Iowa, LaDonna (Craig) Rasmussen of Galva, Iowa, and Logan Carlson (Colleen) of Norwalk.

Margaret and Lloyd moved from Ohio to Omaha, Nebraska, before eventually settling in Ricketts. Together, they owned and operated the Triple L Market grocery store. Lloyd was an active member of the community, serving as a first responder, firefighter and later Fire Chief with the Ricketts Fire Department. He also belonged to the Ricketts Community Club and served as Mayor during the town’s Centennial celebration. At St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, he was a member and Elder, and at one time served as Sunday School superintendent. In addition, he was involved with the Boy Scout troops in Ricketts. He enjoyed camping and fishing, and he especially enjoyed feeding and watching birds. He also cherished playing card games with family and friends.

Lloyd began his career with the United Parcel Service in 1965. He spent countless hours behind the wheel, and his commitment to his job and his customers was admirable. The friendships he made throughout the years were exceptional, with many continuing after his retirement in 1995.

After Margaret’s passing, Lloyd was united in marriage to Elaine (Marth) Kortmann on September 2, 1995, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township–Charter Oak. On this day, he gained three more daughters: Penny (Joe) Ewoldt of Vail, Iowa, Roxanne (Russell) Wray of Mapleton, Iowa, and Sheila (John) Rickers of Westside, Iowa.

In addition to his parents, Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife Margaret on January 23, 1993; his wife Elaine on September 30, 2021; two infant sons, Harry and Leon; one brother, Larry Carlson; and one great-grandson, Chance Julin. Left to cherish his memory are his children, sister-in-law Donna Carlson, 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. Funeral services will be Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., also at the church. Burial will be held in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to the family to disburse to organizations meaningful to Lloyd.