Bernice Joyce Carlson

Bernice Joyce Carlson of Rush City, MN, 76, died at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming, MN on September 16, 2011, surrounded by her family. Bernice was born September 24, 1934 in North Branch, MN to Ben and Minnie (Klook) Carlson. She lived her entire life in Rush City, graduating from Rush City High School in 1952. After graduation, she continued to work at Sommer Drug, located in Rush City. On New Year’s Eve in 1957, Bernice met Paul Carlson at the Lakeside Pavilion by Fish Lake. They married at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City on September 26, 1959. Bernice was a homemaker who enjoyed working with the Rush City Women’s Club, where for several years she took an active role in organizing, selling, and delivering the Rush City Community Calendar. At First Lutheran Church, she was active with the ladies’ groups, where she sold knives, helped serve at events, and enjoyed the fellowship of her quilting group. Along with homemaking, Bernice answered the phone for the family business, called for various organizations, and babysat for many years. She stayed involved with many of the children as they grew up and had families of their own. Anyone who knew Bernice; knew her door was always open and she had “a little lunch” ready, complete with freshly made baked goods and coffee. She would make sure that her family had some homemade treats to take with them, whether it was cookies for the college kids or something to remember home on a fishing trip. Bernice was always interested in how other people were doing and loved to visit. Even when she was sick and hurting, she was concerned with how everyone was doing. When asked how she was feeling, she usually replied “pretty good”. She will be greatly missed! Bernice Carlson (Mrs. Paul Carlson) is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Steve & Julie Carlson, Bob & Karen Carlson, Kevin and Kelly Carlson all of Rush City; grandchildren: Amy, Kristy, Brad, Elaine, Nicholas, Emily Carlson, brother Warren Carlson and his wife Ellen of Roseville and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bernice Carlson is preceded in death by her parents Ben & Minnie Carlson, husband Paul V. Carlson, and siblings Marion Johnson and Donald Carlson. Rev. Laurie O’Shea will officiate funeral services for Bernice Carlson; 11:00 a.m. Thursday (9/22/11) at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City with visitation and reviewal one hour prior to the funeral at the church and also Wednesday evening from 4-8 p.m. at the Olson Chapel in Rush City. Music will be provided by Al Tripp and Dianne Kirchberg. Honorary casket bearers are Duane Nessel, Rich Mathison, Mark Purdy and the First Evangelical Lutheran Church Quilters. Casket bearers are Chuck Cartford, Roger Westerling, Noel Nessel, Anders Johnson, John Carlson, Mike Carlson and Erik Reichert. Bernice Carlson will be intered in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Funeral arrangements for Bernice (Mrs. Paul) Carlson are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City; Olson Chapel.