Edna M. Carlson, 96, of Minden, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Bethany Home in Minden. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Minden United Methodist Church with Rev. Peter Choi and PMA Julie Schmidt officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's YouTube and Facebook pages. Private family burial will be held prior to services at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Edna's honor are kindly suggested to the Minden United Methodist Church or to Bethany Home in Minden. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Edna M Carlson was born on January 6,1928 in Tampa, Florida to Rosebud Johnson and Tam Zi Kawata. Her father was a Japanese immigrant, and her mother was the daughter of a Swedish homesteader in South Dakota. She grew up and attended school in Chadron NE, receiving her High School Diploma. Edna went on to graduate from Chadron State College with a two-year Secretarial Degree.

Edna was united in marriage to Holly L. Carlson on May 5, 1952 in Denver, CO. She was a devoted wife to her husband for 52 years until his going on to glory in 2004. "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm, all the days of her life." Prov 31:10-12

The couple owned the bakery in Grant, Ne where their children Jan, Tammy and Scott were born. After purchasing the Bakery in Minden, Brett and Donna were born, adding to the family. Carlson Bakery was operated by the family with Holly, Edna, and each child working there until it closed upon Holly's retirement. "She works with willing hands; she looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Prov 31:13, 27

Edna was dedicated to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Minden. She was actively involved early on as the Church Secretary, Sunday School teacher, then later as an Officer in the UMW, Bible Studies, Sunday Greeter, and a faithful servant to all. "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Prov 31:30

Edna was known as a skilled seamstress in the area– shortening, lengthening, taking in, and loosening garments, as well as sewing beautiful custom-made dresses. She also made amazing quilts for her eleven grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jennifer, Benjamin, Andrew, Audrey, Seth, Sheena, Dannielle, Garrett, Blake, and Jay. "She makes linen garments and sells them, give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." Prov 31:24, 31

The family has wonderful memories of holiday meals that Edna provided, adults and children everywhere, upstairs, downstairs, and main floor, each with a full plate in hand. She also shared her cooking and her generosity with others by bringing meals to families that were either suffering or celebrating. "She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household." Prov 31:15

Edna was selfless, always putting others before herself. She was either serving the Lord, her husband, her children and grandchildren, or her friends. "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Prov 31:28-29

Those left to cherish her memory are: Jan (Dave) Thom- Doniphan, Ne, Tammy (Jim) Jensen-Minden, NE, Scott (Patti) Carlson- Elkhorn, NE, Brett Carlson-Lincoln, NE, Donna (Greg) Gustafson-Grand Island NE. eleven grandchildren, and twenty one great grandchildren; One brother Lyle (Leona) Irwin- Omaha NE, One sister Doris (Hal) Tecker- Parks, NE

Edna was preceded in death by her husband Holly L. Carlson, parents Tam Zi Kawata and Rosebud (remarried) Henderson; sisters Lois-Birdie (Bill) Jackson and Betty Lorraine (Paul) Benson, brother Larry (Toni) Larsen.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .