Varlen Carlson
December 7, 1932 — July 21, 2024
Varlen Carlson, 91, of Stanhope died July 21, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Randall Gym in Randall (look for the signs). Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with caring for the family.
Varlen Dean Carlson was born on December 7, 1932 to Chester and Clara (Speck) Carlson of rural Stratford. He attended Stanhope Independent School district where he graduated in 1950. In 1951 he won the 4-H record book award trip to Chicago International Livestock Exposition where he met his future wife, Fern Arends from Williams. Varlen and Fern were married in 1953.
Uncle Sam drafted Varlen into the United States Army in 1953. Upon discharge he returned to Iowa to farm and live near Stanhope for 69 years.
He was President of Hawkeye Antiques Acres near Waukee for over 30 years. An International Harvester enthusiast, he displayed gas engines, tractors and trucks at the Central Hawkeye Gas Engine and Tractor Association shows and around the Midwest for many years. Varlen was a charter member of the National International Harvester Collectors Club, and Iowa Chapter #5.
An avid traveler and collector of country relics, he along with his wife, Fern, founded and operated Country Relics Village for 14 years. His village delight was the miniature engine show, his full-size McCormick Machines dealership, giving rides in the touring model T, and portrayed Father Christmas during the annual Christmas ‘Stroll into The Past.
Varlen is survived by his wife, Fern, of 71 years; his four children, Nan (Gary) Stubbs of Ankeny, Pam (Ron) Holtan of Des Moines, Brad (Karleen) Carlson of Jewell and Matt (Carol) Carlson of Stratford;12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Richard “Dick” and Chris Carlson; his sisters, Joann Johnston and Jane Arends and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Varlen Dean Carlson was born on December 7, 1932 to Chester and Clara (Speck) Carlson of rural Stratford. He attended Stanhope Independent School district where he graduated in 1950. In 1951 he won the 4-H record book award trip to Chicago International Livestock Exposition where he met his future wife, Fern Arends from Williams. Varlen and Fern were married in 1953.
Uncle Sam drafted Varlen into the United States Army in 1953. Upon discharge he returned to Iowa to farm and live near Stanhope for 69 years.
He was President of Hawkeye Antiques Acres near Waukee for over 30 years. An International Harvester enthusiast, he displayed gas engines, tractors and trucks at the Central Hawkeye Gas Engine and Tractor Association shows and around the Midwest for many years. Varlen was a charter member of the National International Harvester Collectors Club, and Iowa Chapter #5.
An avid traveler and collector of country relics, he along with his wife, Fern, founded and operated Country Relics Village for 14 years. His village delight was the miniature engine show, his full-size McCormick Machines dealership, giving rides in the touring model T, and portrayed Father Christmas during the annual Christmas ‘Stroll into The Past.
Varlen is survived by his wife, Fern, of 71 years; his four children, Nan (Gary) Stubbs of Ankeny, Pam (Ron) Holtan of Des Moines, Brad (Karleen) Carlson of Jewell and Matt (Carol) Carlson of Stratford;12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Richard “Dick” and Chris Carlson; his sisters, Joann Johnston and Jane Arends and many nephews, nieces and friends.
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