Kari Lynn Carlson

Kari Lynn Carlson, 80, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Kari was born on June 29, 1935 the daughter of Donald "Mike" and Olwen (Williams) Rice in Whitehall, Wisconsin. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Whitehall by Rev. O.G. Birkeland. Kari attended Whitehall Public Schools, graduating in 1953 and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, graduating in 1957. She was a Physical Education major and taught physical education for a short time in the Mille Lacs Lakes area of Minnesota, prior to marrying Robert F. Carlson on August 2, 1958. Kari then devoted herself to raising three boys as the family moved around in three states and Bob pursed a career in banking. Together they retired in 1997. Kari was proud of her gang of friends from Whitehall and met every summer to swap stories, laugh loud and tease each other. As a mother, she could seize upon her physical education background and teach her kids sports or intimidate referees, umpires or officials with boisterous cheering from the stands or sidelines. Gifted with a big laugh, and a piercing whistle, she was a force to be reckoned with as her kids grew. Kari lived big, enjoyed time at the lake to fish, play cards, ride pontoon, watch birds and relax. After retiring with Bob, they wintered in Lake Havasu City, AZ, while spending their summers by Vergas and then Detroit Lakes. They traveled widely and enjoyed the company of their travel companions as they explored Scandinavia, the British Isles, China, the Panama Canal, Russia and more. Kari was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Gayle Rice, daughter-in-law, Dawn Marie Carlson and grandson, Anders Carlson. Kari is survived by her husband, Bob Carlson of Detroit Lakes, MN; sons, Craig (Jackie) Carlson of Fairbanks, AK; Jay Carlson of Foster City, CA; Chris Carlson of Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Ben Anderson of Fairbanks, AK; Liza Cella of Anchorage, AK; Cody Kelly of Phoenix, AZ; Griffen and Anna Carlson of Fargo, ND; and brother, Richard Rice of Dunnellon, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to donor's choice.