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Gladys C. Carlen Obituary – 11/24/2014


Gladys Christine Carlen, age 86, of Cokato, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.

She was born Jan. 21, 1928, in Litchfield, the daughter of John and Julia (Bjornstad) Lindgren. Gladys was baptized, and later confirmed April 11, 1943, at the First Lutheran Church in Grove City.

Gladys attended and graduated from the Grove City High School.

She had been employed as a telephone operator, as a waitress at Dassel Bowl Cafe, and at 3M in Hutchinson.

Gladys was united in marriage to James Barrick Dec.18, 1948, The couple made their home in the Dassel area. To this marriage, they were blessed with six children.

Gladys was united in marriage to Howard Carlen Oct. 20, 1973, in Milbank, SD. Gladys and Howard operated a gas station in Darwin. They made their home in the Dassel area for several years, before moving to northern Minnesota, where they owned and operated two motels.

They retired to Missouri for several years, before they moved back to Dassel. They made their home in Dassel in the summer, and wintered in Bullhead City, and then Lake Havasu City, AZ.

For the past 11 years, Gladys has made her home in Cokato.

She loved to play cards and games, antiques, and when she was younger, she loved to dance. Gladys enjoyed traveling with her grown children, especially the last five years. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her great-great-grandchildren, and her children for family holidays.

Gladys is survived by her family, Judy (Milton) Larson of Cokato, daughter-in-law Joyce Barrick of Hutchinson, Jeannie Tessmer of Hutchinson, Jocelyn (Brad) Larson of Lexington, NE, Jennifer (Gail) Plaisance of Buffalo Lake, and Jerald (Nina) Barrick of Litchfield; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Marlys Lindgren of Hutchinson; many nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Carlen; a son, James Barrick Jr.; son-in-law Neal Tessmer; her parents; two brothers, Henry Lindgren and Gordon Lindgren; and one sister, Leona Lindgren.

The funeral service took place Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at North Crow River Lutheran Church in rural Cokato, with the Rev. Michael Nelson officiating. There was visitation at the church from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel handled the funeral arrangements.

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