Terry L. Carlson

OBITUARY: Terry Lynn Carlson
Terry Lynn Carlson, 58, Topeka, died Sun., March 11, 2012. She was born Jan 13, 1954, in Wichita, the daughter of Kenneth H. and Patty J. (Strunk) Riffel. She graduated from Herington High School and Washburn Univ. She was a realtor for Hawkins Realty, Valley Realtors, and then owned T.L. Carlson & Co. She later worked for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. She served as head organist for a total of 30 years at St. Paul's Lutheran Church followed by Hope Lutheran Church. Terry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and served as President of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was married to Douglas A. Carlson in 1971. They later divorced. She was married to Robert J. Carlson on Nov. 7, 1987, in Topeka. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2011. Surviving are son: Christopher D. & Sydney Carlson of Topeka; daughter: Candace L. Marr of Topeka; father: Kenneth H. Riffel of Herington; sister: Janet L. Banks of Olathe; brother: Gene C. & Sheila Riffel of Arizona; and three step-children: Robert J. & Gay Carlson of Waterville, Robin R. Carlson of Houston, TX, and Gregory J. & Jody Carlson of Topeka; grandchildren: Trisha, Maloree, Jacob, Alex, Megan, Rylie, Luke, Adilynn, Ava, Ashlee, Jacob, and Cheyenne; and great-granddaughters: Bella and Breckyn. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Wed., March 14, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church. Interment in Prairie Home Cemetery. Terry will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Tues., at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604, Hope Lutheran Church, 2636 SE Minnesota Ave., Topeka, KS 66605, or The American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604.