Carla Joann Macfarlane

Carla Joann Macfarlane, a wife, mother, “Bubbe”, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on March 28, 2024, at 82 years young. 

Carla Joann Johnson, was born on January 28, 1942.  Her parents were Ernest W and Johanna G Johnson, of Akron, IA.   She met and married her one true love, Peter Grant Macfarlane, on April 21st, 1961, and they were married for 63 years. Peter and Carla welcomed 2 children during their marriage, a son and a daughter.  She was a true gem in this world, and was gifted with the passion for helping others.  She loved her family fiercely.  Carla was strong in her faith, and joined Peter, as an active member of 1st Presbyterian Church for all of their married years, also serving as an Elder, and member of the church choir.  Carla loved working in her garden, bringing life to plants and flowers of all kinds.  She was blessed with an incredibly creative mind, and had a sharp eye for fashion, always donning the latest, greatest looks.  She loved acrylic painting, and just like her mother, Johanna, she too created countless paintings that will forever hang on the walls in her family's homes.  Carla had a God-given talent for handiwork, especially needlepoint and sewing, having made many of the clothes that her growing children wore. She was very talented in cake decorating and made all of her family’s birthday cakes every birthday. She was an avid collector of ‘Pot Heads’ (formally known as Head Vases). Carla started a luggage and gift shop, “Bon Voyage”, in the 80’s, located in downtown Sioux City which she operated for many years.  She also worked for “Accents” gift shop, eventually becoming the owner.  Carla was involved in many organizations over the years, including 4H, Junior League, (and was passionate about the Discovery Shop), Questers, PEO, and The Sioux City Community Theatre. Simply put, Carla made this world a better place, and she will be painfully missed by so many.

Carla is survived by her husband, Peter Macfarlane, 90 of Sioux City, a son, Steven Macfarlane (Amy Smith Macfarlane) of Sioux City, a daughter, Laura Hansen (Scott Hansen), of Hinton, Iowa. A brother, Randy Johnson (Marlys Johnson) of Akron, Iowa.  Four granddaughters; Greer Macfarlane of Sacramento, California. Kathrine Freed (Ryan Freed) of Waukee, Iowa, Hillary Rosencrants of Omaha, Nebraska, Michaela Hansen (Eric Soderling) of Omaha, Nebraska, a grandson, Braden Hansen (Jaycee Davison) of Hinton, Iowa, and one great-granddaughter, Sistine Elizabeth Freed and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In Carla's search for her birth family, she discovered a treasured niece, Della Vlaanderen. Their instant connection blossomed into a deep friendship, filled with shared adventures and joyful celebrations. They were inseparable, like two peas in a pod.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Johanna Johnson. 

Carla’s Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 4, at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux City, with Pastor Mark Bedford officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 3, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Meyer Brothers Colonial (3220 Stone Park Blvd.) in Sioux City. 

The Macfarlane Family wishes to thank Charter Independent Living (formerly known as North Park) for the tender care Carla received while residing there.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Florence Crittenton Home or Junior League of Sioux City.