Edward Frank Carlson, 86, formerly of Elsmore, Kansas, died Thursday, February 5, 2009, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola, Kansas. Edward was born August 26, 1922, on the family farm west of Elsmore, Kansas, to Oscar Frank and Signild Marie (Nielson) Carlson. He attended Old Elsmore and Skyrocket Grade Schools. Edward married Virginia Lee Lipsett and they made their home in the Elsmore and Savonburg area. She died in 1977. He moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, in 1977. Edward was married to Rosalie (Larson) Shields on Nov. 10, 1978 at Lindsborg. She preceded him in death on Feb. 6, 2001. He moved to Iola from Lindsborg in October of 2003 to make his home. Edward had been an iron worker, farmer, cattleman and rancher and a painter and carpenter before he retired. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church at Lindsborg and attended the Elsmore United Methodist Church after moving back to this area. He was a 55 year member and past master of the Virginia Masonic Lodge #315 in Savonburg. He was also a member of the Iron Workers Union in Wichita, and the Lindsborg Lion's Club. SURVIVORS: 1 Brother: Earl Carlson of Elsmore, Kansas 2 Sisters: Evalyn Passig of Chanute, Kansas, and Elaine Dunlap of Bolivar, Missouri 3 Step-Children: Dennis Shields of Lindsborg, Kansas, Don Shields & wife, Sharon of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and Darlene Otis & husband, Jim of Hutchinson, Kansas 7 Step-Grandchildren and 9 Step-Great Grandchildren A number of nieces, nephews, cousins - many in Sweden - and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest Carlson and by three sisters, Elsie Swenson, Esther Bacon and Ellen Siders. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at the Elsmore United Methodist Church. The Rev. Connie Cox and the Rev. Danny Swenson will officiate. BURIAL: Elsmore Cemetery with Masonic rites. MEMORIAL CHOICES: Elsmore United Methodist Church or Virginia Lodge #315. Memorial gifts may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.