Jane K. Carlson

Jane Katherine (Kirkholm) Carlson, daughter of Hans Soren Kirkholm and Violet Viola (Sharkey) Kirkholm was born October 28, 1934 and passed away on June 8, 2014.

Jane was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith and spent all of her life in the service of her church, the United Methodist Church of Alta. She taught Sunday school for 50 years; directed the Jr. and Cherub choir; directed and taught Vacation Bible School; gave the children’s sermon during church services; and served on the Administrative Council, UMW, Circles, and numerous committees.

Jane graduated from Alta Community High School in 1953. She then attended Buena Vista University and graduated with a Pre-Professional Degree. She went on to teach third grade at Washta, Iowa for 6 years and 1st/2nd grade at Schaller, Iowa for 1 year. She also substituted in the Alta schools for 12 years.

Jane was united in marriage to Francis H. Carlson in the Alta United Methodist Church on May 29th, 1960. One daughter, Colleen Jane, was born to this union on September 22, 1962. Following Fran’s discharge from the US Army, Jane was a farmer’s wife in the Alta area until Fran’s retirement in 2010.

In addition to her church, Jane was involved in the community, serving as a 4-H leader for 18 years and as a member of Nokomis Study Club.

During her life, Jane’s true love was children. She adored her granddaughters, Katie and Lauren, and loved the summers when they would stay on the farm. They spent their time baking cookies and brownies, making crafts, and playing games. Jane also had many “extra” grandkids as children immediately recognized her kindness and love for them.

When not busy elsewhere, Jane enjoyed making and giving away crafts, baking, playing piano, playing games, reading her Bible and taking pictures---lots of them!

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Jane is survived by her husband of 54 years, Francis; her daughter Colleen (David) Konop; granddaughters Katie (Jessie) and Lauren (Steve); brother Jim (Margie) Kirkholm; brother-in-law Howard (Betty) Carlson; sister-in-law Irene Beinor; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of true and loyal friends.