Obituaries : Marjorie "Marge" Carlson

Marjorie "Marge" Carlson, 93, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, following a brief non-COVID-19 illness. A private gathering celebrating Marge's life will be held Saturday, March 6, with services at a later date in Friend, Neb. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Marge was born in Crete, Neb., to Adolph and Emily (Petrik) Horky. She graduated from Crete High School, and soon after met and married Ralph Carlson. The couple made their home in Friend, Neb., and lived in Vinton, Iowa, before permanently residing in Cedar Rapids. Family and friendships were central to all the seasons of her life. She was always eager to travel and stay connected. Marge loved listening to her music and worked for years at the Lindale Record Shop when vinyl was king. "Sentimental Journey" and "My Way" were her favorite songs. She enjoyed reading (including recipes), crossword puzzles, baking, flower gardening and sitting on her "perch" at the kitchen table with her cup of coffee or Diet Coke.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Emily; brother, Ray Horky; son-in-law, Arnie Ekberg; brothers-in-law, Bill Warner and Don Carlson; sister-in-law, LaVelle Carlson; and many aunts and uncles.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of over 72 years, Ralph; daughter, Cynthia Ekberg; and son, Bruce Carlson; grandchildren, Matthew Carlson, Jake Carlson, Rachel Collins (Ryan Hutchcroft), Sara Collins, Lara (Todd) Schissel and Darren (Jennifer) Ekberg; great-grandchildren, Keenan, Dylan, Tyler, Celia, Cora, Thea, Tate, Jacob and Samantha; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Warner; niece, Connie (Guy) Stewart; nephew, Brad Horky; and extended relatives.
It hurts every day, the absence of someone who was once here.