Celebration of Life: Jean (Carlson) Liechty

Born Monday, July 22, 1929, into a loving Swedish farm family in Swede Township, Kulm, ND, Jean was the youngest daughter of Frank and Ebba Carlson. She survived whooping cough at six months of age which she and her twin brother contracted, and which took the life of her twin brother.

A 1947 graduate of Kulm High School, Jean’s upbringing in rural North Dakota offered a cherished life with rich friendships. An exemplary student with virtuous character, Jean was asked to teach in a country school in Swede Township following her high school graduation. For two years Jean enjoyed her 1st-8th grade students in the small, one-room country schoolhouse. (Note, the only heat available at that time was from a wood/coal-burning stove which her father kept burning so the school would be warm for his daughter and her pupils.)

Jean dreamed of becoming a nurse before meeting the love of her life, a pastoral intern serving in her home church. A warm relationship began between Paul and Jean and her family. They quickly grew to know they were God’s gift to each other and got married six months later. Jean, a dedicated wife and homemaker, supported Paul in his ministries throughout their life together using her musical skills and supporting him faithfully leading a Sunday morning class at an area nursing home and in churches where he served as a lay minister for many years.

Jean’s greatest loves were the Lord Jesus, her husband Paul, their five children and their families. A Proverbs 31 woman of God, she cared well for her family filling their home with warmth, love, and music. Her joy and fulfillment was in being a wife, mother and grandmother, and keeping a happy home for her family while supporting their various endeavors.

While raising her family Jean faithfully attended to her parents and sisters as they aged. A beloved, devoted, and selfless mother with a strong Christian faith and a delightful personality, she was a part of many enjoyable and fun stories which can be told by each of her children and their families, not the least of which was her soft heart when it came to her children occasionally not feeling well enough to go to school. She brought understanding, loving sunshine, and compassion wherever she went. Her children’s friends often commented on how welcomed and loved they felt in Paul and Jean’s home, some of these claiming her as their second mother or grandmother. People who met Jean a single time would ask about her. The love, grace, kindness, and mercy of Jesus radiated from her generously and touched many lives. She was trustworthy to persons needing a listening ear.

She enjoyed traveling the U.S. with her husband and family, yet Jean was equally content and happy at home enjoying excursions with her children wherever it took them. Laughter and joy marked her presence. Late nights often included feeding growing grandchildren and their friends. Daily Jean read her Bible and prayed asking God’s blessing on her day and family. She left noticeable marks of God’s love wherever she went, and her hope was for a heavenly reward rather than earthly acclaim.

Above all else, Jean looked forward to seeing Jesus and being reunited with loved ones in Heaven. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Paul Liechty; dear parents, Frank Carlson and Ebba (Johnson) Carlson; sweet sisters Frances Carlson and Delores Mae Carlson; kind brothers Alden W. Carlson and Harley H. Carlson, and her twin brother who died in infancy, Kenneth F. Carlson; loving granddaughter, Heidi Syvrud Davenport; and precious great-granddaughter, Ellison Liechty. Jean is survived by her beloved children: daughters Mary (Jim) Syvrud, Heath, TX, and Amy (Marlin) Jensen, Auburn, AL; sons Paul Emil (Sherri) Liechty, and Lorne (Mary) Liechty, Heath, TX, and Steven (Cyd) Liechty, Rockwall, TX; her beloved grandchildren Zach (Julie) Syvrud, Josh Syvrud, Mary Syvrud, Skyler (Julie) Liechty, Mitchell Liechty, Heath, TX, Micah (Jamie) Liechty, Madison, WI, Spencer Liechty, Pueblo, CO, Emi (Allen) Long, Huntsville, AL, Sarah (Jordan) Gackle, Kulm, ND, Lorne (Maryanne) Liechty, Austin, TX, Joey Liechty, Denton, TX, Paul Harley (Danielle) Liechty, Tulsa, OK, Jordan (Julia) Jensen, Auburn, AL, Michael Jensen, Fayetteville, GA, Claragrace Jensen, Auburn, AL, and Bradlee Liechty, Rockwall, TX; and beloved great-grandchildren Jameson, Luke, Truett, and Graham Syvrud; Jack and Brooks Davenport; Lily and Isabella Syvrud-Cingrani; Rozilyn and Serena Liechty; Emil John Liechty; Bowen, Benjamin and Emma Long; Alice, Leo, and Rosa Gackle; Hannah, Mary Kate, and Lorne Timothy Liechty; Levi Liechty; Esther Jensen; and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Jean’s family expresses heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to her devoted care teams in Alabama and Texas. Feist Funeral Home, Kulm, ND, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Paul & Jean Liechty Food Pantry, c/o Helping Hands, 950 Williams St., Rockwall, TX 75087; Kulm Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 163, Kulm, ND; The Salvation Army.