Phyllis M. Carlson

Phyllis May Carlson, 87, of Laporte, MN, died suddenly with her husband, James Bernard Carlson, as the result of a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Phyllis was born in Watertown, SD, to George and Ruth (Reynolds) Furan on July 12, 1926. She grew up in Oakes, ND and attended Jamestown Nursing College in Jamestown, ND. On November 26, 1946, she married James Bernard Carlson in Oakes, ND. Special interests that Phyllis enjoyed included playing cards, swimming, reading, snowmobiling, serving as Jim's flying assistant, sewing, and gatherings at the family cabin on Kabekona Lake. She loved going to lunch with her friends, taking care of Jim, and playing the nickel slots at the casino. She liked Koffee Klatsch on Hammerling Avenue, Wheel of Fortune, and her Arizona poker club. Purses, shoes, jewelry, and the latest household gadgets were also favorites. Her children fondly describe their mother as someone who never met a stranger; never missed sending a birthday card or the annual Christmas ornament to her grandkids; typed her notes on her old-fashioned typewriter; and always carried a cloth hankie. She was very clever and creative in problem solving; and she was a very loving and loyal wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by one son, Robert J. Carlson; three daughters, Diana L. (Jack) Carroll, Judith A. (Charles) Robinson, Katherine J. (Monte) Klemetson; grandchildren, Heather Carlson, Bridget Carlson, Jennifer McCann, Christopher (Shelby) Carroll, Alexander Carroll, Jessica Klemetson, and Hunter Klemetson; great-grandchildren, Dominik Penny and Jace Penny; and sister JoAnn Kraft. Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother, Maynard Furan and a granddaughter, Kimberly Thompson. There will be a gathering of friends and family for a time of fellowship and sharing from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the University of North Dakota Foundation School of Business.