Maryan (Franzen) Carlson

Maryan June (Franzen) Carlson of Cozad entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living at the age of 93.

Maryan was born June 19, 1931 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Meinert and Elizabeth (Aden) Franzen. She was raised in Gothenburg and was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church. She graduated from Gothenburg High School with the class of 1949 and later from Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1952.

She married Glenn Carlson on September 20, 1953, and together they shared 55 wonderful years until Glenn's passing in 2008. Their union was blessed with two children, Jodi and Jon.

For 25 years, Maryan worked as a nurse at Cozad Hospital, where her love for the operating room shone brightly. Her commitment to healthcare did not stop there; she also dedicated 25 years of service to the American Red Cross. In recognition of her hard work and passion for nursing, Maryan was inducted into the Cozad Health Care Hall of Fame in 2007.

A faithful and devoted member of the Lutheran Church in Gothenburg and Cozad, Maryan found joy in her faith as well as in her hobbies. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge, where she made lifelong friends. In her later years, she discovered a love for knitting, creating dish rags for family and friends.

Maryan will be remembered for her dedication to her profession, her compassion, and her spirited personality. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work and kindness that will last for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Norris; husband Glenn; and son Jon. Survivors include her daughters Jodi (Jay) Doran of Belton, TX and Chris Carlson of Reston, VA; daughter in law Valerie (Peter) Matt; siblings Norman Franzen of Omaha and Diane (Dale) Kinnan of Gothenburg; grandchildren Kalen Carlson, Erin Carlson, Sarah (Calder) Rosdail, Andrea (Kyle) Hewitt, all of Omaha, Evan (Amy) Huston of Austin, TX and Jeff (Gerri) Carlson of Colorado Springs, CO; 6 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living or Trinity Lutheran Church.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Jeff Cottingham officiating. Memorial Book signing with family present will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.