Verda Ethel Carlson, 97, Fertile, MN, died Monday, November 7, 2016, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile. She was born on September 6, 1919, near Parker, SD, to Emerson and Susie (Stoner) Wettlaufer. As a small child, she moved with her parents to Pipestone, MN. She attended school there until her parents moved back to South Dakota. Verda finished her schooling at Madison, SD, graduation from Madison Central High School in 1937. She attended Eastern State Teachers College in Madison receiving an elementary teaching certificate in 1941. Prior to her marriage, she taught in a rural school near Madison.

On November 27, 1942, Verda was united in marriage to Conrad Carlson. One week later, Conrad left to serve in the Army Air Force in World War II. Verda followed her husband during his training until he was deployed in 1944 overseas. She then returned to Madison to live with her parents until his return. During that time their daughter, Barbara, was born.

After four years of military service, Conrad and Verda established a home in Glenwood, MN. There three more children joined the family: Bruce, Mary Ann, and Paul. Most of the years in Glenwood, Verda spent her time being a housewife. But it was there she became interested in volunteer work, in her church and community. For two years, before moving to Fertile, she was employed as a bookkeeper for the Glenwood School.

In 1964, the family moved to Fertile. They built their home at 107 Ash St, where she has lived until May of 2009. Verda began work as a bookkeeper for Culligan Company and was there for 11 years. Later, she worked as a sales person at the dress shop in Fertile, retiring in 1983.

Verda was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church, WELCA and Circles, where she held many offices. Both Conrad and Verda helped faithfully during the building of the new addition in 1991. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Women's Study Club and Fair Meadow Nursing Home Guild. She was one of the founders of the Fertile-Beltrami Education Foundation and served as one of the first Directors on that board for three years. Verda also spent many hours volunteering for the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center and RSVP in many capacities. In 1994, she was named "Outstanding Senior Citizen of Polk County". Verda was honored as "Senior Citizen of the Year" in the Fertile Community in 1996.

Verda and Conrad travelled extensively. They toured all of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Hawaii probably being their favorite. They also enjoyed cruises and some of the countries of Europe. Verda's hobbies include gardening, working with her computer, entertaining, reading and water color painting. She and a friend organized an exercise class for Senior women in the early 1990's. After a few years, she became the leader of the class for the next 12 years. During this time, a group was formed known as the "Red Hat Rockerettes" and enjoyed many good times together.

Verda is survived by her children: Dr. Barbara (Ted) Schmeckpeper, Columbia, MD, Bruce (Susan), Duluth, MN; and Paul Carlson, Fargo, ND; five grandchildren: Michael (Anna)Schmeckpeper, Columbia, MD, Chris Carlson,Carlton (Carrie) Hanna, McKinney, TX, Peter Carlson, Duluth, MN, Erica (Wayland Lee) Schmeckpeper, Churches Ferry, VA; and four great-grandchildren: Elijah Carlson, Emily Schmeckpeper, Michael Hanna and Taylor Schmeckpeper.

Verda was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 62 years, Conrad, daughter, Mary Ann Hanna in 2016, two brothers: Eldon in 1967 and Wayne in 1988.

Funeral: 2:00PM Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at Concordia Lutheran Church.

Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.