Joanne Carlson

Joanne Carlson of Wayzata, MN, died peacefully at home on the 14th of March, 2022. She was 90. Preceded in death by parents Floyd and Hallie Larson, husband Arnold, brother Jerry Larson, sons-in-law Michael Lipshultz and Mike Rone, daughter-in-law Stacie Carlson.  Joan was born in Mpls. She grew up in White Plains, NY returning to Mpls every summer to visit family. After high school, she chose Carleton College. It would bring her back to her roots and to where she hoped to live again one day. Carleton opened up the world to her-the courses she took, the friends she made and the love of her life,  Arnie, her husband of 48 yrs. They married after graduation in 1952 then lived in Wisconsin and Pittsburgh before settling in to their home on Chevy Chase Drive in 1960. Wayzata Community Church was an important part of Joan's life as she raised a family. It brought strong friendships and opportunities to act on her values of service and devotion. At age 39, Joan went back to school to get her Master's degree in teaching at St. Thomas. She found her niche teaching 7th grade English at Ridgemont Jr.High. During that time, she continued her love of learning at the U of M where she earned a Master's degree and then a Ph.D in English Literature. Joan was a writer, teacher, traveler and lover of books and movies. She thought deeply about life and cared for others through volunteer work and charity. She was grateful for the simple pleasures of a long walk, a poem or a turtle sundae. She cherished her many dear friends and loved her family with all her heart. She will remain in our hearts forever and is now home with her beloved Arn. Our family would like to give special thanks to Mom's caregivers and their families. Jessie Holt, Nicky Gutormson, Kerstin Weibel and Stephanie Auld cared for Joan with compassion, dignity and generous hearts. We will be forever grateful to them. Joan is survived by her children, Peter Carlson, Kristin Rone, Sara (Mike) North; grandchildren, David (Caci) Carlson and Jack Carlson, Jerusha and Jessica Rone, Haana (Brandon) Frank, Malia (Alex) D'Audney, True and Helen North; great grandchildren, Mike Smith, Maggie and Oliver Frank, and Piper Carlson; nieces, Kathy Qualley and Kim (James) Cavo and nephew, Ghy Larson. 

Service in the Chapel at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd East on Tuesday April 19th at 2pm. Reception following in the Colonnade. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to charity of your choice or Wearealight.org, SecondHarvestHeartland.org, Aeon.org. Thank you.

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