Karen Ann (Servant) Carlson

Resided in Perkins, MI
Died February 8, 2022

Karen Ann (Servant) Carlson died at her home in Perkins, Michigan, Tuesday, February 08, 2022, ending a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 79.

Born May 11, 1942 in Escanaba, Michigan, Karen graduated from Perkins High School in 1960. She married her high school sweetheart, John F. Carlson Sr., and they spent 62 wonderful years together.

Known by some as “Beautiful,” Karen was a very spirited woman, who raised four perfect children and had a hand in raising some of her grandchildren. As two-year-olds, most of the grandchildren attended her “Potty Training Boot Camp,” and all passed with flying colors. She had a real knack for teaching!

Karen very seldom missed her children’s or her grandchildren’s events, and was always a parent volunteer when needed for pasty-making fundraisers and the like. Another of her passions was spending time with friends—and they were plentiful (You know who you are!)—laughing, entertaining and simply reveling in their company, with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Others included traveling to Arizona, to spend winters and be with friends, traveling on cruises with her sister Julie and other family and friends, enjoying “Dive Night” dinners with neighbors, being goofy with her sisters during hunting season, being the first to call and “sing” to all family members on their birthdays, singing in the church choir, camping with friends and family, reading, doing outstanding cross-stitching, sewing, painting ceramics and baking for the holidays. For many years, parts of her summers were spent on a tractor, baling hay, which she also enjoyed.

Karen is survived by her husband John F. Carlson Sr.; children Lisa (Dawn) and John Jr. (Cindy) Carlson, both of Perkins, and Kelli (Daryl) Smith of Chandler, Arizona; mother Elaine (Hill Servant) Demeuse of Perkins; sister Julie (Mitchell) Powers of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Gina Martens, grandson John Carlson III, father Thomas Servant, siblings Susan Depuydt and Thomas Servant Jr., and stepfather Wilbert Demeuse.

Mass of Christian Burial, to celebrate the life of Karen Carlson, will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022, at 11:00AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow Mass. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

10 Tributes for “Karen Ann (Servant) Carlson”

    Cindy and I send our condolences to the Carlson family. I have many wonderful memories of Karen from the parent-teacher conferences regarding her children. Also Cindy and I would run into her and John at various events and it was always warm conversations. May God comfort you during this time.

    I am so sorry to hear about Karen passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a very special woman.

    Our family has taken a big loss with Aunties passing
    Kindest and funniest of ladies
    Going to miss her laugh and her wit

    So very sorry for your loss. I remember Karen as being loads of fun, with a fantastic and contagious laugh! She’s going to be seriously missed! Keeping you all in prayer.

    Kelli, so sorry to hear of your mom passing. She was such a wonderful person! You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Karen was my second mom. I want to thank the whole Carlson family for welcoming me into their lives while growing up. I have such fond memories of spending nights at their home and watching the dynamics of this beautiful family! Karen was good to me and I loved her honesty and how she would light up any room she walked into! She is now at peace. Karen, give Gina a huge hug from me. Will always love and miss you! Sending condolences and prayers to the whole family!
    Lulu Beauchamp

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I hope your memories bring you comfort in this difficult times and may the stories that people share with you bring you joy and laughter in this time of sorrow. She was a wonderful lady and the North Road will not be the same. Sending you all hugs from our family.

    My sympathy and prayers to the Carlson family. Growing up in a small town we all knew and loved Karen. She had such life and love in all she did and was so kind and generous. May her memory live on forever in you and your children as well as comfort you in these painful times of grief.

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