Ruth Carlson
Ruth Carlson, age 88, of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Friday, October 9th, at Arbor View Court in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16th, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McIntosh with Marijo Vik, SAM officiating. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Home, serving McIntosh. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.
Ruth Elizabeth Carlson was born on November 11, 1937, in Williston, North Dakota, to Peter and Hedvig (Hattie) Erickson. Baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Ruth was raised with strong Christian family values that guided her throughout her life.
Ruth graduated from Williston High School in 1955, went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, and graduated from the University of North Dakota. She pursued a career in home economics and accepted a high school teaching position in McIntosh, Minnesota, where she immediately attracted the attention of a fellow teacher, Lloyd Carlson. It wasn't long before they married on July 7, 1962. After an eventful honeymoon road trip to the West Coast, they made their home in McIntosh and raised four busy children.
Ruth was dedicated to her family and her church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church. After spending many years as a full-time mother, she returned to the school as a librarian. Her steadfast joyful presence and gentle nature will be remembered fondly by her family, the students she encountered at school and church, and also the staff at her care facility as she maintained her smile until the day of her passing.
Ruth was active in her church and community, participating in Ladies Aid, Bible study groups, the quilting group (as the dedicated coffee server), Vacation Bible School, and many other activities. If she wasn't at home or church, there was a good chance she was in the bleachers cheering at school ball games, enjoying and supporting the close-knit McIntosh community she loved - a community that fully returned that support when Ruth was in need.
Ruth also had a special gift for preserving family memories. Scrapbooking and creating photo albums were among her greatest talents. Through the years, she carefully collected the photos and memories that helped tell the story of her family's life together-a treasure her loved ones will continue to cherish.
Ruthie was such a good person that she would make an exception to her otherwise impeccable honest nature, and would 'cheat' while playing family card games to avoid winning so the underdog (usually her children) could prevail. Although she did not golf, she could always be relied upon to join as a passenger in the golf cart and say "Good hit!", even if it went out of bounds or in the water. She also loved road trips, whether it was to Dairy Queen, Ness Cafe for a patty melt, Manecke's for chicken drummies, or long ones to Williston every Christmas and summer to visit her mother and sister and take them to Bonanza.
Ruth is survived by her four children: Brian Carlson of Elk River, MN; Philip (Amy) of Paynesville, MN; Jennifer (Chuck) Linsenmeyer of Middleton, WI; and Scot (Emily) Carlson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jesse, Mitchell, Carter, Preston, Macy, Winston, Ava, Grace, and Elliot; and four great grandchildren, Melanie, Jace, Luka and Reese; her sister-in-law Joan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives she was blessed to share.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her parents, Peter and Hedvig Erickson; her brother, Eldon, and his wife, Lorraine; her brother, Duane; her sister, Vira Stenehjem, and her husband, Jerry; her sister-in-law, Ila Pederson, and her husband, Thorlief; her sister-in-law, Evonne Hartel, and her husband, Orvin; her sister-in-law, Lorraine Carlson; and other beloved family members.
It was Ruth's wish that this passage was shared upon her passing: John 14:2-3, 6 (KJV)
(2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Ruth leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, devotion, and smiles. Her life was a testament to the importance of family, the beauty of serving others, and the peace found in trusting God's promises. Though she will be deeply missed, we can all find comfort in knowing that her faith has become sight, and that she is now home with her Lord and Savior.