Arlene V. Carlson, of Plymouth, MN, went home to the Lord, Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 following a battle with cancer and a hip fracture at age 83 years old.
She was born in Vining, MN, September 5th, 1933, the daughter of Sankey and Alma Peterson. She began singing and playing piano at an early age, adding the clarinet to her repertoire in her high school years. She graduated from Battle Lake High School, where she met Lowell Carlson, whom she later married. Their family increased by two lovely daughters, Deborah and Dawn. She continued to sing solos and was in choir at Zion Lutheran Church, where she was an active member. She also worked at the Child Development Center.
Her first degree was an Associates of Arts from Fergus Falls Junior College. Later, she graduated from Moorhead State College with a Bachelor’s in Music, where she performed in operas and musicals. She continued her schooling with a degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and completed her education at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, with a Degree in Music Therapy. She was Board Certified and upon returning to Minneapolis, worked with the elderly.
She continued to be involved with her family and her church, Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, MN, where her faith continued to be strong.
Preceding her in death were her parents Sankey and Alma Peterson, her brothers Milt Peterson and Arthur Peterson, her sisters Corrine Wentzel, Fran Grage, and Alice Peterson, former husband Lowell Carlson, and beloved nephews Gary Peterson, Paul Wentzel, Jeff Everson, Norman Everson, and Todd Peterson.
Survivors include her sisters Marge Smith and Lucille Eckhardt and her daughters Deborah VanBockern and Dawn Graham. Her legacy continues in her grandchildren and their families: Lea (Patrick) Bonander, Elizabeth (Dave) Bartel, Faith (Craig) Ferguson, Jason (Lisa) Graham, Jacquelyn (Neil) Jones, and Andrew Graham; a total of twelve great-grandchildren, as well as many blessed nieces and nephews.
Arlene said, “God speaks to you through music, whether you know it or not.”
Visitation: one hour prior to the service at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake, MN
Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake, MN
Clergy: Pastor Bradley Skogen
Interment: First Lutheran Cemetery in Battle Lake, MN
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls