Joanne, “Sis”, Carlson, age 86, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Joanne was born on September 28, 1934, in Duluth, to George and Ruth (Carlson) Gamst. Moving often as a child, she attended public schools in Duluth and Lakewood Township, graduating from Duluth Central in 1952. Upon graduating, she embarked on a long career as the best secretary/office administrator wherever she worked. Her typing skills were legendary, especially to her sons, who always relied on her ability to turn out flawless school reports with little notice. She fell for an Air Force sergeant, home on leave, and married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Carlson in 1956. They were inseparable teammates while raising their three boys, and were looking forward to years of indulging themselves and their grandchildren before Dick’s untimely death in 1996. She continued to live in her house loving her children and grandchildren, but the spark that illuminated her life had dimmed. Seemingly, her only joy was in her family life and the occasional good book.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George Jr., husband Richard, and infant son Kurt. She is survived by sons Mark (Lynne), Timothy, and Corey (Jayleen); grandchildren Erik (Midge), Evan (Cian), Ryan, Sean, Bridget, and Tyler; and lifelong friend Marlene Forsyth.
A private family service is to be held. The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff of The St. Luke’s CoVid Ward for their care and compassion during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Literacy Initiative to celebrate mom’s love of reading.
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