She was born June 19, 1925. After graduating from high school at age 16, Carlson graduated from teachers college and taught elementary school. She went on to attend North Park Theological Seminary.
Marlys served as a parish worker at Ravenswood Covenant Church during a chapter in the church’s life when the congregation was between pastors while in the midst of a building project. As the only ministry person on staff, Marlys spent her days doing visitation and handling administration and every duty of a pastor except preaching.
Wally and Marlys were married in 1953. It was a relationship that started with a wager.
As the fate of alphabetical order would have it in the classroom seating chart, Challgren sat behind Carlson. In a playful wager between Marlys and Wally, it was agreed that whoever took second place in the Greek class grade was to treat the winner to dinner. Wally bought Marlys that meal.
The Carlsons served Covenant Churches in Mason City, Iowa, and Azusa, California. Marlys served alongside Wally at Kent Covenant Church, which he founded and guided for 22 years.
Wally preceded her in death in 1988. Survivors include two sons, Rick Carlson and Tim Carlson; and two daughters, Barb Buer of Minnesota, and Sonja Peterson. Rick and Sonja’s husband, Rob Peterson, are both Covenant pastors.
© 2013 The Evangelical Covenant Church |
Marlys led me to Christ at Ravenswood on Sunday April 20, 1952. Her memory is a lifetime blessing in my heart.
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05.14.12 at 2:08 pm
I grew up in Ravesnwood Covenant. I have always thought of Marlys as my Children’s Pastor when I was a child. She too led me to the Lord one Sunday morning in Children’s Church. I remember her great stories told with flannel graph. Peace be to this dedicated servant of our Lord Jesus.
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05.15.12 at 7:16 am
Remembering Wally and Marlys as they ministered so effectively at Kent, WA.; our many times of sharing at Covenant Beach…and watching their budding family grow into ministry as well. What a wonderful life and legacy. We are long-lost but grateful friends and co-workers. Peace and comfort to the Carlson family. Lovingly, Phil and Jonna Axelson
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05.15.12 at 9:11 am
I have worshiped at Ravenswood all my life (70yrs+). Marlys was cerainly my mentor in my Christian growth during my youth. I helped her in the church office, flipping fly sheets in the mimeograph & then folding the Sunday bulletins. She flew in to Chicago for our wedding at Ravenswood when she was in Mason City. She & Wally led my dad to accept our Lord as his Saviour. We were still exchanging notes at Christmas. Thank you Jesus, for Marlys.
Nona Larson Michael
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05.15.12 at 12:36 pm
Marlys and i were at North Park in Bible classes and later we were counsellors at camp at Covenant Harbor. She was a good friend, and i always appreciated her. God bless her memory
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05.18.12 at 8:07 pm
I first came to Kent Covenant in 1985 with two little boys in tow. Marlys and Wally were both so encouraging to me. I began attending a women’s Bible Study at Marlys’ invitation. It was there that my spiritual life began to take root and grow. One thing I remember particularly that Marlys used to say was, “…and this too shall pass…” It was always a good reminder on keeping things in perspective. Peace to her memory.
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05.22.12 at 3:36 pm