Shirley Carlson, 80, Fergus Falls, MN

Shirley Mae Joan Warholm Carlson, 80, of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.

She was born Oct. 19, 1927, to Harold and Bertha (Ness) Warholm, in Minneapolis. She was baptized and later confirmed at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center.

Shirley grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended school at Edison High School, graduating in 1946. Following graduation she attended the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, and graduated in 1950.

On Feb. 7, 1948, she married John Russell Carlson at Shiloh Bethany Church in Northeast Minneapolis. They made their home in the Twin Cities area, and then raised their four children in a wonderful neighborhood in Brooklyn Center.

Upon retirement they built a log home and relocated to Stalker Lake near Dalton. In 1999, they moved from their lake home to their present residence in Fergus Falls.

Shirley loved her family, dedicating her life to being a mom, wife, grandmother, and loving daughter, and was a true friend to all who knew her. She also held her pets close to her heart and has enjoyed them throughout her life. She enjoyed artistic hobbies including painting, knitting, crocheting, and doing wood crafts with her husband. She also liked to attend class reunions to visit with her classmates.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her younger sister, Beverly; her brothers-in-law, Douglas and Donald Carlson; a sister-in-law, Alvina; and three nephews.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 59-plus years, John, of Fergus Falls; her four children: Jon (Kim) of Blaine, Brian of Duluth, Randy (Vera) of Fergus Falls, and Lori (Scott) of Stacy; 11 grandchildren, Daniel (Lindsey), Jill (Steven) Buus, Christopher, Katja, Kaylee, Hanna, Anja, Sophie, Bradley, Peder and Matthew; one great-grandchild, Marissa; her sisters-in-law, Geraldine (Walter) Larson and Peggy (Dave) Jacobson; former daughter-in-law, Ann (Grabau) Carlson; nieces and nephews; and many other loving relatives and friends. We are saddened by her loss, yet rejoice that she is in her heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

A gathering of family and friends is planned Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home Chapel in Fergus Falls, with a memorial service at 7 p.m. The Rev. Kate Bruns will officiate.

An additional service will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, 5929 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Center, with a time to gather with family and friends from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. A private burial is planned.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com.