Alfred K. Carlsen was born on July 16, 1919 at Newell, South Dakota to Chris J. and Cecelia (Olsen) Carlsen, one of nine siblings, and passed away March 17, 2010 at the Avera Gregory Healthcare Center at the age of 90 years.
Alfred spent his childhood and young adulthood on the family ranch near Castle Rock, South Dakota. In 1939, he and his brother, Ernie, graduated from Newell High School. In 1940, he joined Andy at Fairfax where they purchased land and established the Carlsen Ranch. Together they raised cattle, sheep and farmed the land. They increased their operation over the years and over time employed many adults and teens.
Alfred married Vera Zeisler on May 27, 1941. After their marriage, he joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax and remained an active, lifelong member. To this union three children were born: Charlene, Jeanne and Kenny. Their children attended country school at Star Valley School and later Fairfax School. Alfred was serving on the Fairfax School Board at the time of the fire at Fairfax School. The school burned three days before school started and that meant an all-night board meeting securing books and equipment to start the school year. Alfred worked diligently to help establish the East Gregory County Rural Water District. He knew that a reliable water source was necessary for future development and increased land values. He also knew Vera was not thrilled when her laundry had an orange tint from the plentiful artesian well water we used! Snow Valley Goose Club, a group of hunters from the Sioux Falls area, was formed in approximately 1960. Members of this club became lifelong friends and hunted on the Carlsen Ranch for 40 years. Riding Clubs also enjoyed their riding and camping at the Ranch. Alfred and Vera promoted 4-H and also entertained many groups. Sunday dinner and plentiful everyday dinners were the norm at the Carlsen Ranch.
Granddaughter Nicole was born in 1981 and great-grandson, Nicolaus Tate Nelson was born in 2004. Alfred loved to watch Nicolaus ride his bike and shoot hoops.
Alfred met Evelyn Sundquist in 1982 and they enjoyed each others company, family activities, trips to family reunions, Branson, Missouri and the West Coast. Evelyn assisted with his care while he was hospitalized in Gregory.
David Klein came to live with Alfred in 1986 when Alfred and his daughter, Jeanne were awarded guardianship after the death of Davids mother. He lived with Alfred until he graduated from Bonesteel-Fairfax High School.
Alfred loved children and the children loved him, and he enjoyed attending school activities.
Alfred was preceded in death by his wife, parents, parents-in-law, brothers: Victor, Walt, Ralph, Hank and Andy; and sisters: Nina Wendt and Margaret Vogt.
Alfred is survived by his children: Charlene (Gene) Bringelson of Armour, SD; Jeanne (Rick) Nelson of Bonesteel, SD; and Ken Carlsen of Castle Rock, SD; granddaughter, Nicole Nelson Harte and great-grandson, Nicolaus Tate Nelson; his brother, Ernie Carlsen of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law: Rose Pecena of Butte, NE and Deniece Zeisler of Gregory, SD; brother-in-law, Don Zeisler of Omaha, NE; special friends: Evelyn Sundquist of Gregory, SD and Mary Mentele of Spearfish, SD. Additional survivors include David and Leslie Klein, Christopher, Brittany and Austin of Valley Springs, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Fairfax. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 to 7:30 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke and one hour prior to the service at the church.