Theora "Teddi" Carlson

Teddi Carlson, 88, of Pelican Rapids, MN, died Saturday, December 6, 2014, at Pelican Valley Health Center where she had been a resident since 2009. She was born Theora Jane Dalager on March 26, 1926, in Glenwood MN, the daughter of Selmer and Elsie Dalager. She attended country school the first eight grades, then graduated from Glenwood High School in 1943. That fall she attended St Cloud Teachers' College in St Cloud, MN. Upon receiving her teaching degree, she taught third and fourth grades in Parkers Prairie, MN, and met a local young man, Howard Carlson, at a school carnival. In the fall of 1947 she attended the University of Minnesota to fulfill her dream of earning a degree in Home Economics, and where she lived with other 4-H women in the Clovia House and was a member of the Lutheran Student Association. In the midst of her time at the University, she took off two quarters to teach second grade in Anoka, MN. Howard was also a student at the University, and two weeks after their graduation, on June 17, 1950, they married at Barsness Lutheran Church near Glenwood, MN. They first lived in Faribault and Fairmont, MN, and then in 1956 they moved to the farm just south of Pelican Rapids where they raised their seven children. She loved children and taught Sunday School and assisted with Confirmation instruction at Trinity Lutheran Church, was a den mother for Cub Scouts, and was always interested in her children's school work and 4-H projects. She quite naturally instilled a love for learning from which her grandchildren also benefitted. She was a gifted seamstress and loved flower gardening, ceramics, crafts, and travelling with her husband to 49 states and 22 countries. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran's circles and quilters, and particularly enjoyed her friends in Birthday Club. Teddi was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease in 2007. Her decline was gradual and she retained her sweet spirit to the very end. In 2009, Teddi moved into the Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids. During her initial months there, she was quick to help those less able than she. But those who loved her soon realized that her memory had swept backward into the comfortable days of her childhood, finding joy there once again.Teddi's legacy is evident in her husband, Howard Carlson; her seven children, Sherry (Mark) Brickzin of Blue Earth, MN, and their children, Laura and John; Brian (Cindy) of Rochester, MN, and their sons, Peter (Becky), Andrew (Dieta), and Michael (Sara); Randy (Mary) of Wahpeton, ND, and their children, Erin (Nate) Warthen, Jared (Nikki), Heidi (Justin) Wiertzema, and Liesl; Craig (Linda) of Fargo, ND, and their children, Matthew, Michelle (Ben) DeHaven, and Justin; Karen (Chuck) Engler, of Fargo, and their children, Jessica and Evan; Carol (Brian) Schuster, of Fargo, and their children, David (Sara), Christopher, Daniel, and Melanie; and Gary (Marliese) of Morrisville, Vermont, and their children, Levi, Gabriel, and Eliana. Great grandchildren are Elliott, Zachary, Alexandra, and Jack Carlson and Everett Warthen, with 2 more on the way. Also surviving are her sister, Ione Johnson, of Denver City, TX; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Darrel and Marge Carlson and Warren and Judy Carlson, all of Parkers Prairie, MN, Gloria and Al Butler of Waseca, MN, and Marlys Dalager of Glenwood, MN; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Harold Dalager and brother-in-law Peter Johnson. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, MN, on Thursday, December 18, 2014. A private funeral service with the family will be held in Rochester, MN, on Friday, December 19, 2014. Burial at Pelican Valley Cemetery. Clergy: Pastor Philip JohnsonMemorials are preferred to Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids, MN, where the staff provided such high quality care and support to our loved one for over 5 years. Teddi's trust was secure in Jesus Christ. Heaven is richer for her presence and her family awaits a joyous reunion with her there.Funeral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572Service:315 East MillPelican Rapids, MNUS 56572Thursday, December 18, 2014