Arlene Glad

Arlene June Carlson was born February 12, 1919, in Ludell, Kansas, on the farm where her grandmother, Mrs. Andrew Anderson, lived. She was the oldest child of Carl and Mina Anderson Carlson. Arlene died October 24, 2014, at the Rawlins County Health Center, at the age of 95.

Arlene attended School at District 38, Laing Township, through 7th grade, and then attended 8th grade at Herndon. When Arlene was 14, her mother died, and Arlene was given the job of caring for her three younger siblings, along with attending high school. She graduated from Oberlin Community High School in 1937 with a major in normal training, and she then taught at Logan School south of Herndon for one year.

After meeting Albert Glad and dating for about four years, Arlene and Albert were married on May 14, 1938, which was also her dad’s and Albert’s mother’s birthday. They were married by the Rev. Carl A. Glad, Albert’s brother, at the Enne Lutheran Church in Oberlin. The couple lived with Albert’s father for 17 years on the C.A. Glad farmstead in Laing Township. The Glad’s were active members of the Enne Church where Arlene played the piano and sang in the choir.

Three sons were born to the couple: Stanley Conrad on May 20, 1939; Albert Eliott on Aug. 22, 1941; and Grant Elwood on June 25, 1946. Stanley died at the age of one.

Arlene and Albert built a new home in Atwood in 1954. Here they enjoyed many happy times. Arlene always had a pot of coffee and a delicious snack ready for both expected and unexpected visitors.

In Atwood, the Glads attended the United Methodist Church, where Arlene played the piano and organ, and sang in the choir. She was an active participant in every way, and believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. Her faith was a vital part of her life.

Arlene was proud of her Swedish heritage and enjoyed cooking and serving many Swedish dishes for her friends and family. These included Lutefisk, Osta Kaka, Swedish pancakes, pickled herring, and Swedish boloney. She was fortunate to travel to Sweden during her life, and also made trips to Russia, China, and all over the United States.

Arlene’s hobbies included music, painting pictures and cooking, and over her lifetime she enjoyed many types of arts and crafts projects. Always a loyal friend, she made many trips up and down the hill from her home to enjoy her extensive network of friends. She loved people and activity!

Arlene loved being a grandma and was always entertaining her three grandchildren and supporting them in all their activities. Years later, even as she got older, she was happy to have her great grandchildren around.

Over the years, Arlene worked in support of the Rawlins County Fair, the Atwood schools, her church, and Atwood city government. She also played several years in the Ladies Golf Association. She could be seen at almost any event in the area.

Arlene was known for her dinners and generous hospitality as well as her many musical, artistic, and leadership talents. She served as president of Atwood Music and Drama Club, Union Extension Club, United Methodist Women and was a lively supporter of Western Plains Arts Association, Lions Club, Atwood Pride, Atwood Senior Center and the Good Samaritan Home board.

For the last year of her life, Arlene was a resident of the Atwood Good Samaritan Center. She brightened the days of the residents and the staff with her piano playing and enthusiastic attitude. She would never turn down a game of dominoes or a visit from a friend or family member.

Arlene was preceded in death by husband, Albert in 1994; son, Stanley in 1940; son, Eliott and daughter-in-law, Sue Glad in 2001; sister, Hazel Guinn; brothers, Harlan and Kenneth Carlson and sister-in-law, Nola Carlson.

She is survived by son Grant Glad and wife Marilyn; granddaughter Michelle Moses and husband, Ken; grandson, Jeff Glad and wife Linda, all of Atwood; grandson, Brendon Glad of Lawrence; great granddaughters, Kelsey Chvatal, Camryn Glad, Avery, Ainsley, and Ayla Moses of Atwood and great-great grandson, Ryder Fanders of Atwood.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at United Methodist Church, Atwood. Memorials are suggested to the church or Ministerial Alliance Food Bank, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, 109 N. Second St., Atwood 67730. Online condolences may be sent to: www.baalmannmortuary.com.