Jean Marie Carlson

Jean Marie Carlson, age 101, of Hastings, passed away at Regina Nursing Home on April 24, 2013. She was born in Croatia on June 24, 1911. Jean came to the United States at 4 months of age with her parents and settled in Chicago. She took pride in the fact she was an original “flapper” during the roaring twenties. Jean enjoyed dancing-even up to her 100th birthday party. Her first job was in August of 1929 as a telephone operator at age 18, just months before the depression. She was proud of the fact that she held that job (and paycheck) through the entire depression and until 1956. Jean married Elmer Carlson, a paint factory worker in 1938. They had one son, Dr. John (Mary Jo) Carlson, of Hastings, MN. Following her husband’s death, Jean moved to Hastings in 1985 to be near her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed outings with her good friend Pat Stangle and was an active participant in many clubs, including the Red Hat Society in Hastings. She enjoyed every day the Lord gave her, watching her grandchildren grow to adults, and dancing.Jean is survived by her son, Dr. John Carlson and daughter in law, Mary Jo; four grandchildren, Erik (Angie) Carlson; Dana (Nino) Parisi; Ryan (Suzanne) Carlson; and Hope (Sal) Murra; eight great grandchildren, Tristen, Krystal, Cecilia Carlson; Flint, Jade and Beza Parisi; Milo Carlson; and Elia Murra.A Memorial Service, officiated by Pastor Josh Bernau, was held on Saturday (4/27) at Hope Lutheran Church in Hastings. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery. Visit www.wisefamilyfh.com to view the memorial video and sign the online guestbook.