Char was born December 6, 1930 to Andrew Frederick and Hedwig “Hattie” (nee Kleinschmidt) Soenksen. She was the youngest of three children; her older brothers were Arnold and Herbert Soenksen. In 1949, Charlotte graduated from DeWitt High School in DeWitt, Iowa. While in high school, she discovered her passion for music. Char lettered in music and sang in girls’ glee club, mixed choir, and many other competitions. She even received a music scholarship to Augustana College.
On October 9, 1949, Charlotte married Vern Carlson.
Charlotte and Vern moved to Owosso, Michigan for a short time before moving back to DeWitt. Then, in 1974, they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where they lived until her passing.
Charlotte was a proud member of Peace with Christ Lutheran Church; she was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and choir, helped with the newsletter, and liked to “visit the old people.” She was feisty and had a great sense of humor. Char was loving, compassionate, and loyal to her loved ones. She found joy in watching old movies and TV shows.
Survivors include her children, Carla (Mike) Papantonakis & Paul Carlson; grandchildren, Christina Papantonakis (Reed Letson) & Nicholas (Jeanne Luthi) Papantonakis; and great-grandchilden, Henry Carlson Letson & Jane Louise Papantonakis.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vern Carlson; and brothers, Arnold Soenksen & Herbert Soenksen.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday February 12, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Peace with Christ Lutheran Church. 1412 W Swallow Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Flowers and memorial donations may be sent to the same address in the name of Charlotte Carlson. Charlotte requested donations to be marked to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at the Church.
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