Carol Marie Verly Carlson

Carolyn “Carol” Verly Carlson, age 78, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away on July 2, 2021 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at the Evangelical Free Church in Marshall. Following a luncheon at the church, interment will be at the Bonine Cemetery near Beresford, South Dakota. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Evangelical Free Church in Marshall. The evening concludes with a Prayer Service and Sharing of Memories at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in memory of Carol be directed to Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall.

Carolyn Marie Bonine was born on April 23, 1943, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Robert and Audrey (Ekman) Bonine. Carol was baptized and confirmed in her youth at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church in rural Beresford, South Dakota. She attended the Brooklyn country school and Beresford High School before graduating with the class of 1961. Carol then went on to attend Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for two years.

On February 14, 1978, Carol was united in marriage to Joseph “Joe” Verly in Marshall, MN. Carol and Joe spent 23 wonderful years together before Joe died in June of 2001. Carol went on to marry John Carlson in August of 2003 at the former Clara Lutheran Church located at Joy Ranch near Florence, South Dakota. Carol worked in a variety of roles including raising sheep, selling real estate, owning a secretarial business, and driving truck. Carol spent the last 20 years working for Prairie Home Hospice. She enjoyed her work as a pet therapist, with her therapy dogs Nikki and Katie, for Prairie Home Hospice.

Carol’s faith was very important to her, and she shared that faith by serving her family, friends and community in many ways. She was a faithful and active member of the Evangelical Free Church in Marshall. Carol was a member of Alliance of Therapy Dogs with her beloved registered and certified therapy dogs. She found great satisfaction in blessing others with her individually-designed cards. Carol will be remembered as a hospitable, caring friend with a big heart. Carol brightened people’s days and was always there if anyone needed her. She was a loving person and will be dearly missed by many.

Carol actively pursued many interests. She enjoyed dancing, cooking, reading, and antiquing. She was an active member of the community and participated in many parades with John and her dogs in their Corvette convertible. Carol enjoyed spending time in the Black Hills especially Custer State Park, where she and John attended the Buffalo Roundup for 15 years. Family was very important to Carol. She enjoyed spending time with them and supporting her grandkids at their events.

Carol passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She reached the age of 78 years, 2 months, and 9 days. Blessed be her memory.

Carol is survived by her husband, John Carlson of Marshall; four children, Greg (Marla) Verly of Ruthton, David (Zhenya) Verly of Finland, Kevin (Sheila) Carlson of North Sioux City, SD, Krislyn Carlson of Beresford, SD; grandchildren, Ashley Verly, Brandon (Jessica) Verly, Preston Carlson, Stella Carlson; great grandchildren, Jason Johnson, Cody Johnson, Bristol Verly, Savannah Hegg; special friend, Diane Peach of Minneapolis; her treasured therapy dogs, Nikki and Katie; many godchildren; other relatives and friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Verly; her parents, Robert and Audrey Bonine; and a brother in infancy.