Vera D. Carlson

Vera D. Carlson, age 97 of Grafton, ND passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Vera D. Herbison was born October 21, 1912 in Glenwood Township of Walsh County, ND the daughter of the late Albert and Lina (Wright) Herbison. She attended elementary school in Hoople and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1930. In the fall of 1930 she enrolled at the Deaconess School of Nursing in Grand Forks, ND. Vera was united in marriage to Percy E. Carlson on October 7, 1932 in Grafton and the couple made their home in Grafton. They were parents of two children: Jessie T. and Donald E. Percy died on March 21, 1949. Vera returned to employment at the Walsh County Treasurers Office in May of 1949 and retired from there in 1983. Music was Vera's main interest in life, both vocal and instrumental. She was a self-taught musician, mastering the reading of notes and playing the organ and piano. She was the organist for several years at the Federated Church in Grafton and the Knox Presbyterian Church in Minto. She also assisted the Bethel Free Lutheran in Grafton. She played for many funerals and weddings over the years. Vera was honored to be named the Grand Organist for the Order of Eastern Star. She was also an avid sports fan. She listened to every game she could on the radio. She was a charter member and past president of the Chapter X, PEO in Grafton. She was just honored for being a 70 year member. She was also past president of the Grafton Parent Teachers Association. Vera is survived by her children: Jessie Thompson, Grafton, ND; Don (Linda) Carlson, Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, two brothers a great grandchild and son-in-law Trueman Thompson. Funeral services will be Friday, January 15, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the Federated Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Crescent Cemetery of Grafton. The family would prefer memorials to the Lutheran Sunset Home or the Grafton Spoiler Boosters.