Karol A. (Monson) Charlson, age 66, of Hysham, MT died March 5, 2016 in Hysham.
Karol was born on August 9, 1949 in Deer Lodge, MT to Hans and Alta (Hoover) Monson. She attended grade school in Deer Lodge and graduated at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge in 1967. She then attended Helena School of Business for 2 years.
After attending school in Helena, Karol worked for Flint Creek Valley Bank in Phillipsburg MT, and then The U.S. Forest Service in Missoula.
On December 9, 1972 she married the love of her life Don Charlson in Deer Lodge, MT. Don and Karol moved to Thermopolis, WY where Don worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. They then moved to Billings, MT, and then in 1975 moved to Hysham, MT and have lived there since. Karol’s very first job after moving to Hysham was a teacher’s aide at Hysham Public Schools as well as substitute teaching. Following that Karol was employed by Mid-Yellowstone Electric, and then by Treasure County as a Deputy Assessor beginning in 1981. Karol started working for the State of Montana at the Department of Health and Human Services in Forsyth. Karol retired from working for the State of Montana in 2011 at the age of 62.
Karol was a member of many clubs including Women’s Club, Garden Club and Women’s Golf League. She was a Board member of the Rosebud Healthcare Center, “Friends and Family” and the Hysham Cemetery.
Karol enjoyed traveling, golfing, spending time on the beach and visiting family and friends. She also enjoyed playing cards. Karol and Don enjoyed traveling anytime the opportunity arose and making memories with their many friends.
Karol was preceded in death by her mother (Alta Monson), Stepmother (Betty Cook), father (Hans Monson), mother-in-law (Loretta Charlson), father-in-law (Everett Charlson), and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is survived by Don Charlson (husband), Chet Monson (Brother – Deer Lodge), Mary Gebhart (Aunt – Deer Lodge), Hollie Hoover (Aunt – Deer Lodge), Larry Gebhart Jr. (Cousin – Great Falls), Shirley Gebhart (Cousin – Conrad), Rita McDonald (Cousin – Wapato, WA), Lorean Newbrough (Cousin – Sheridan, WY), Clifford Van Blaircom (Cousin – Northern California), Norma Erwin (Cousin – Kingston, WA), Diana Blom (Cousin – Poulsbo, WA), Amy Pomeroy and family (Niece – Anchorage, AK), Joe Charlson and family (Nephew – Belgrade), Wade Charlson (Nephew – Grand Rapids, MI), Bob Charlson and family (Brother-in-law – Highwood), and many other family members and friends.
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to The Friends and Family Charitable Organization at PO Box 957, Forsyth, MT 59327 or to a charity of your choice.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth, 245 Westwind Ln. Private burial will take place at a later date. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Ronnie Mae says
You are so dearly missed! A wonderful warm hearted woman that always had a smile for everyone, I am so sad you are gone. My heart goes out to your family and will be in my prayers.
Donna Orthman says
I had the pleasure of working with Karol for many years and she was a very kind lady and as stated above she had a smile for everyone and kind words for all. More than a co-worker I consider Karol a friend and though we did not see each other often I enjoyed any time I was able to be around her. My heart goes out to her family and all of the many people who called her a friend. You are all in my prayers and she left us much too early.
Nancy Nile says
Karol was always a bright spot in any day. We worked in offices right next to each other for many years and shared doing the Christmas Joy program,. Karol was always kind, considerate, and warm to everyone. Once Karol retired we didn’t get to see each other quite as much, but I always thought of her as a special friend. My heart breaks for all her family and friends. Prayers to all of you. She will be greatly missed.
Sharon Wetsch says
Don.. I am so sorry to hear of Karol’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Karol was always a bright smile right beside you. She was always a wonderful person….
Ken Kotar says
I am so sorry to hear about Karol, Don my prayers go out to you and your family.
Judy Charlson Griffin says
Clair and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you during this difficult time.
Don & Becky Criswell says
Don…we are so sorry to hear this. You are in our hearts and prayers. Please remember during this difficult time that God has his own plans and he needed another special angel. Karol was such a sweet person. Hang on to the memories!
Bill & Denice Hedges says
Don, We are so sorry to hear this horrible news. We pray that God will wrap you in his arms and guide you through the next days. Karol was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. You have beautiful memories to keep close to your heart. Our love and prayers….
Rita McDonald says
Don- I am so sorry to hear about Karol. I loved her dearly, her smile and kind words for everyone around her. She will be missed greatly. I pray God will wrap his arms around you and give you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow. My love and prayers go out to you and the family!
Rich and Vivian Charlson says
We are so sorry for your loss. Karol was a special lady and we enjoyed every minute we got to spend with her. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Kirsten(Belgarde) Crocker & family says
Don – my heart aches for you and your family, Karol was the most incredible woman I knew. She always had a smile on her face and always had a hello when you saw her. She will be missed dearly. God has a great plan for her. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Doug and Jane Lowry says
Don, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss.
Cathy and Curt Fleming says
Our condolences to your family during this time of sorrow. While I haven’t seen Karol for a while we always caught up with each other when we did. She will be missed by everyone. She was too young to pass away, especially since I know you had plans. We are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts.
Virgil & Waneeta (Brockel) Farris says
Dan, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Karol was such a pleasant,, thoughtful person. She will be missed in both the Hysham and Forsyth communities. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tawny & Gary Nelson says
Don- Gary & I live near you. We felt so disheartened when we heard the news about your wife. You have many beautiful memories! Our thoughts and prayers will be forever with you.
Jill Lind says
I worked in the office next to Karol for several years and she was a great lady. I enjoyed getting to know her and always enjoyed our visits. I thought of her often after we moved away. Prayers go out to your family for your loss.
Kimber Emmons says
Don, I have many memories of Karol during various activities and gatherings throughout the years in Hysham…every one of them brings a smile. I pray for your peace and strength to get through the coming moments. Heads Up Hearts Strong. Always. Kimber, Brett, Malachi, ~Kenna~, Cale, Kensi, Caty and Karlee.
Martha Allison says
So sorry for your loss the ladies golf league lost a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rita Hanley says
Thoughts and prayers to Don and all of Karol’s family. Such a tragic loss. I had the privilege of working with Karol through the State of Montana DPHHS. She was always so efficient but so kind and a ready smile for all. We had a lot of fun and laughs through the years. God Bless.
Oscar and Darlene Stene says
Don, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oscar and Darlene (Woolley) Stene.
Jim and Barb Weis says
Jim and Barb Weis say:
We learned of Karol’s passing today. Had we known sooner we would have been there with you. We think of you and Karol with love and fond memories. What great friends. We had such wonderful times.