Edna Carlson

Edna Kleibrink Carlson, age 103, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, joining her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her beloved husband Barney O. Carlson, and many dear family members and friends.

Born May 9, 1922, on a farm near Mosheim, Texas, to Fritz and Louisa Kleibrink, German immigrants, Edna was one of 13 children and part of the Greatest Generation. She grew up during the Great Depression, graduated from high school in Mosheim, and married Barney in July 1944 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton, Texas, while he was serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.

Together they raised three children—Keith Owen, Larry Dean, and Cynthia Sue Carlson—and lived in Texas, New Mexico, Connecticut, the Netherlands, and Louisiana during Barney’s career with Shell Oil. While living in Europe they visited relatives in Germany and Norway. Edna devoted her life to her family, and faith, always leading with kindness, humor, and Christian principles.

Barney and Edna retired in Houston, Texas, and toured in their motorhome North to Alaska, South to Mexico, and many places in between. Barney passed on in 1997. Fiercely independent, Edna maintained their large home, continuing to host family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter until 2008. Then she downsized and moved to the Conservatory at Champion Forest where she breathed her final breath.

A gifted gardener, she earned certification as a Master Gardener and was active in the Lakewood Garden Club and Windwood Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered for many years. She loved gardening, crafts, collecting cookbooks, and Hallmark ornaments, and was known for her loving spirit and dedication to family. Up until her last month and every month she sent thoughtful birthday cards with gift checks to all children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Edna is survived by her three children; nine grandchildren, Raegan in Atlanta, Lee in Bali, Indonesia, Rachel in Manor, Chris and Eric in Dallas, Neal in Washington, Bradley in Charlottesville, Christine and Cameron in Houston; and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

We give special thanks to mom’s loving caregivers of Discovery at Home, and hospice providers at Memorial Family.

Funeral services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at Norse, Clifton Texas on Wednesday, November 12, at 2 pm, earlier Visitation at noon, and with interment to follow at the church cemetery.