Delores Maxine Carlson

Delores Maxine Carlson, 87, of Denver, Colorado, died October 3, 2025, at Green Meadows Assisted Living in Denver.

A graveside funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 17, at Barrett Cemetery, southwest of Frankfort, Kansas.

Delores was born on February 12, 1938, in Plainville, Kansas, to Victor and Erma (Bull) Behrens. She was the second of three children and was raised in Marysville, Kansas. Delores graduated from Marysville High School in 1956.

On March 15, 1960, she married Harry J. Meeks at the First Christian Church in Marysville. They were blessed with two children—a son and a daughter.

In 1968, the family moved to Dodge City, Kansas, where Harry pursued a college education. During that time, Delores worked as the office manager at Bankers Investment Company to help support the family. After Harry's graduation, they returned to Marysville, where Delores began working at The Federal Land Bank, a position she held until 1983. She also worked briefly at Oketo State Bank in Marysville.

In 1995, Delores lost her beloved husband Harry to cancer. She returned to the workforce, taking a position at Landoll Corporation in Marysville. Alongside her work, she became very active in her church and community, always willing to lend a helping hand.

In 2003, she married Richard Carlson in Blue Springs, Nebraska. The couple moved several times during their life together—first to Cawker City, Kansas, then to Lincoln, Missouri, where they lived by the Lake of the Ozarks. They also spent time in Red Cloud, Nebraska, before settling in Denver, Colorado.

Delores deeply cherished time spent with her family and friends. She had a passion for traveling—especially RV trips with Richard. She also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, reading, and taking daily walks.

Preceding her in death are her parents; sister, Donna Swearingen of Ottawa, Kansas; brother, Bill Behrens of Frankfort, Kansas; and first husband, Harry J. Meeks.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Carlson; daughter, Nancy (Randy) Case; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her stepson, Lanny (Karen) Carlson; stepdaughters, Terri (Jon) Fabel, Tammy Kral, and Kim Carlson; and seven step-grandchildren.

Padden Funeral Chapel, Frankfort, is in charge of arrangements.