Ethel Yvonne (Gerst) Carlson "Vonnie"

Ethel Yvonne Carlson, “Vonnie,” 86, of Wapello, Iowa, passed away at her daughter Carrie’s home on Thursday, July 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the funeral home.  The burial will be at the Wapello Cemetery immediately following the service.  A memorial has been established for 4-H at the Louisa County Fair.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com.

Vonnie Gerst was born on September 15, 1938, in Des Moines County, the daughter of George and Pauline (Howe) Gerst.  In her youth, Vonnie helped her dad on the farm and enjoyed riding horses.  She and her sister, Joanne, played basketball at Huron Highschool, where Vonnie graduated in 1956. 

On September 30, 1959, she was united in marriage to Frederick Bernard Carlson, in Burlington.  Vonnie worked at the Burlington Basket Factory, Rath Packing, and the Wapello Nursing Home.  She and Fred raised their six children in rural Wapello, attending and supporting their endeavors in sports and 4-H. 

After Vonnie retired from the Wapello Nursing Home, she took care of her husband Fred, as his health declined.  Vonnie was a homemaker, loved gardening, taking care of her flowers, and was an avid supporter of all of her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, never missing an opportunity to attend one of their performances, sporting events, or 4-H & FFA activities.

Vonnie truly was a caregiver at heart and was always working behind the scenes to help wherever it was needed.  She especially enjoyed attending the Louisa, Henry, and Des Moines County Fairs to see her family show their stock, and never missed the Iowa State Fair.  In 2017, the Fred and Vonnie Carlson Family was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, with a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair.    Vonnie also dearly loved her chihuahua, “Missy Sue.”

Vonnie will be deeply missed by her children, Carrie (Lonny) Hansford of Letts, Craig (Tammy) Carlson of Cairo, Kent Carlson of Wapello, Cory (Nancy) Carlson of Morning Sun, Kevin Carlson and Kurt Carlson both of Wapello; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Janet) Gerst of Columbus Junction, Cathy Eaton of Winfield and Beth (Mike) Prior of Winfield and several nieces and nephews.

Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; siblings, Joanne Malone and George Jr. (Bubby) Gerst; twin sisters in infancy, Jacqueline and Joyce Gerst; and great grandson, Tyson Collett.

The family offers a special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their help and care over the last few months.

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