Verle A. Carlson

March 23, 1923 - March 13, 2010

GRAND ISLAND -- Verle August Carlson, 86, died Saturday (March 13, 2010) at the Veterans Home in Grand Island.

He was born March 23, 1923, at Culbertson in Hitchcock County, Neb., the son of the late Carl August and Dora Jane (Perkins) Carlson. Verle grew up in the Cornell community south of Trenton and graduated from Trenton High School in 1941.

On April 5, 1943, Verle entered the United States Army Air Corp serving during World War II. Following his Honorable discharge, on Feb. 3, 1946, he returned to Trenton.

On March 23, 1947, Verle married Alta Skinner in Trenton. They resided at Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. and Arapahoe, Neb., where Verle worked in construction. They moved to Beaver City, Neb., where he worked in the grocery business. In 1955 they moved to Bird City, Kan., where he became manager of the Coop Grocery store. They returned to Trenton, Neb., in 1962 where he was employed as an electrician for Bill Loop. He was elected Hitchcock County Judge in 1964 and took office in January, 1965, where he served for 19 years, retiring in June 1983.

He was a Life Time member of the American Legion and the VFW where he served as Commander and other positions.

He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jacquelyn Rae Tuttle on Feb. 25, 1991; and brothers and sisters, Fred Carlson and twins Harley and Hazel Carlson, Virginia Carlson and Elma Noel.

Verle is survived by his wife, Alta Carlson and daughter, Sharon Carlson both of Trenton, Neb.; one son, Ray Carlson and wife, Debra of Saginaw, Texas; grandchildren, Annette Carlson, Troy Tuttle, Jennifer Carlson-Shear, Jason Carlson, Sonja Carlson and Ryan Carlson; great-grandchildren, Allison Tuttle, Megan Tuttle, Kaleb Carlson, Kyle Carlson, August Carlson, Leanne Carlson and Tyler Carlson; relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 18, 2010, 10:30 a.m., at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Trenton with Pastor Jean Miller officiating. Interment with military honors will be at the Cornell Cemetery at Trenton, Neb.

Memorials may be given in his name and visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday at Herrmann Funeral Chapel in Trenton.

Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.