Marian Carson

Marian Mae Carson, 96, passed away Friday, August 7, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center- North Campus. Services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church, Clinton with the Rev. Scott Nesbitt officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 PM Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at Snell-Zornig Funeral Home. Visitation will also be one hour before the service. Pallbearers will be Walter Metzger, Leonard Warner, Harry Boardsen, James Carey, Thomas Kelly, and Richard Krogman. Memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, Clinton. Marian was born April 28, 1913, Beaver Island, Clinton, Iowa to Peter and Anna Carlson. She married Dr. Herbert E. Carson, March 7, 1938 in Davenport, Iowa. He passed away May 17, 1983. She graduated from Clinton High School class of 1931. She learned the craft of denture making and produced dental plates in their home for many years. In her 50’s she became a certified Dental Technologist and was the first woman in the State of Iowa to be granted a license to own and operate her own dental laboratory. During WWII she was approached by the U.S. Coast Guard to be a member and participate in convoy efforts along the river. She was a member of the Naval Order of the United States and was recognized at their annual Congress in New Orleans, LA in 2008. She was quite an accomplished athlete, winning the Clinton Herald City Women’s singles tennis championships in 1933, 34, and 35. She won many other singles and doubles titles in the 30’s and 40’s. Marian enjoyed bowling and participating in many leagues and tournaments. She was a member for many years of the Clinton Country Club and was selected to play in the annual Lincoln Highway Tournament held in Iowa and Illinois cities along the highway route. Marian was involved in Girl Scouting and the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She was the recipient of the Grand Cross of Colors given by the order. She thoroughly enjoyed playing card games, especially bridge. She was a long time member of the Boat Club Bridge Club. She was a 50-year member of the First Presbyterian Church, Clinton and P.E.O. Chapter JW. Survivors include her daughter Frances McDonald and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and seven siblings.