Mary Carlson

Mary Carlson, of Dawson, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at her home in Dawson at the age of 69.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 14,2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson and will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday.

Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.  www.andersontebeest.com

Mary Beth Elizabeth was born on July 20, 1954 to Dorothy Eidson in Minneapolis, MN. She was baptized at St. Anne’s in Minneapolis. She had her first communion and confirmation at Ascension Catholic Church. Mary graduated in Manhattan, Kansas in 1972. She completed Secretary schooling in Brooklyn Park, MN. In 1996 she graduated from Minnesota Tech in Granite Falls as a robotics tech.

Growing up Mary lived in several places, as her family’s career took them there. She eventually found herself back in Minnesota and decided this is where she wanted to plant her roots.

Mary met Butch Carlson in 1976 and married nine months later on April 11, 1977. She had herself an instant family with a new husband and three younger kids; Roxanne, Deb, and Ron. In July of 1978 the family moved to Dawson and bought the “Dawson Rec”. They ran that for a few years and sold it in 1983. Butch worked in the cities during the week, returning on the weekends; Mary stayed in Dawson working a variety of jobs and tending to the kids until the youngest graduated. At this time Mary moved to the cities to be with Butch finally. Mary worked as a robotic tech until 2007 when she moved home to Dawson to be with Butch. She was not quite ready for retirement, so she started working at the group homes in town until she retired.

Mary had many interests throughout the years; she was involved in JC’s/Women of today, bowling and a Girl Scout Leader. Mary enjoyed crafts of all kinds but especially crocheting. She has made many blankets over the years and many were gifted out. Mary enjoyed gardening, camping, and spending time with family and friends. In the last year or so Mary made a number of “lapghans” and donated them to the Dawson Care Center for the residents. She also volunteered her time to the Madison Care Center with Activities. Mary loved to help and care for others, and to spend time visiting. Mary had an infectious smile that could light up a room. She had a heart of gold, and you were blessed if you knew her.

Mary is survived by her children, Roxanne (Ryan) Smith, Deb (Johnny) York, Ron (Kristin) Carlson, Pegi (Jerry) Harberts, and Cyndi (Jay) Winkelman ; ten grandchildren: Will, Justin (Mel), Pip (Alyssa), Kyle (Staci), Mike, Sam (Emily), Bailey (Cat), Brooke, Mason, Evan; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Richard Gaetke, Donald Gaetke and James Eidson; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy; husband, Butch; family friend, Father Schmitzer; brothers, Wayne Eidson and William Eidson; sisters, Susanne Eidson and Theresa Eidson; mother and father-in-law; sister-in-law, Marian (Stan) Littlefield; and son-in-law, Roy.