Helen Virginia (Nelson) Carlson, 84 of Eaton, Colorado entered her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, April 1, 2013. She was born October 16, 1928 in Bertrand, NE to J. Fred and Helen L. Nelson. Helen grew up on the family farm north of Bertrand and graduated from Bertrand High School in 1946. Following graduation she attended summer school which qualified her to teach country school. After three years teaching, she went to Trinity College, Chicago, IL. While there she met Bill Carlson who was headed to the Belgian Congo as a missionary with the Evangelical Free Church. Helen returned to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to finish her bachelor's degree in 1955. Later that year Helen joined Bill in Congo and they were married at the Tandala Mission on October 14, 1955. They served for 20 years in Congo. Their family returned to the United States in 1974 and settled in Eaton. Helen worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk in Ault from 1977 until 1996.
Through the years Helen was an active member of the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton, the Eaton Pioneer Society and the Swedish Heritage Society of Northern Colorado. She enjoyed gardening and was known for her homemade cinnamon rolls and pizza. Helen is survived by her four children: Daniel (Karen), Yaounde, Cameroon, James (Kathleen), Lyon, France, Virginia (John) Aiken, Colorado Springs, CO, and Karen (Thomas) Barnes, Minden, NE; 18 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brothers, Howard, Bertrand, NE and Raymond, Bertrand, NE; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers LeRoy and Willard, and one granddaughter Elizabeth Carlson.
Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton, 1325 3rd Street in Eaton. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8th at the Eaton Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Evangelical Free Church.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Evangelical Free Church or to EFCA Reach Global Ministries. They can be sent in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.