Dorothy “Dottie” Carlson

Dottie was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 27, 1924, the daughter of H.H. William and Lily (Laux) Brinkoetter. A child of the Great Depression, Dorothy was born in a Salvation Army Home.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1941. Dottie married her high school sweetheart, Donald “Don” A. Carlson, on June 30, 1944, in Hollywood, Calif., during World War II on a three day emergency leave. After their wedding they lived in a one room motel in Mojave, Calif., until Don was assigned as a fighter pilot in the Pacific.

Don was shot down and became a prisoner of war, he was released after six months at the close of the war. After the war, Dottie and Don moved to Illinois. Dottie, although born and raised in a big city, soon showed her mettle by becoming adept at farming and raising four kids. They eventually moved to Lansing, Mich., where Dottie worked for the Lansing School District for 13 years. After retiring in 1981, Dottie and Don moved to Crystal Falls.

Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Carlson, and daughter, Barbara Carlson.

She is survived by her sons, David (Sharon) Carlson of Coopersville, Mich., James Carlson of Crystal Falls, Richard (Sue) Carlson of Shelbyville, Mich.; three grandchildren, Matthew (Kelly) Carlson, Scott (Cristy) Lowing, and William (Tessa) Carlson; and nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A Christian burial service will be held on Friday, June 6 at noon at United Lutheran Church, 506 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, with a luncheon immediately following at the church.

Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Crystal Falls immediately following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to United Lutheran Church or VFW Post 2891, 108 Superior Ave., Crystal Falls.

Condolences to the family of Dorothy Carlson may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.