Mary L. Carlson

Mary Carlson, age 83 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday afternoon, December 21, 2018, at Augustana Care of Hastings. Mary Lynn was born on January 23, 1935, in Crookston MN, the daughter of Howard and Mamie (Johnson) Risch. She attended Bemidji State Teachers College and after graduation, worked in Minneapolis for General Mills. Mary also worked as a cook for the Hastings Junior High for many years. On June 8, 1957, she married William Carlson of Lancaster, MN, and the couple moved to Hastings, where Bill taught high school. They had six children together: Mike (Carolyn) Carlson of Shelbyville, KY, John (Pam) Carlson of Fargo, ND, Jody Bouchard of Gordon, WI, Bob (Michelle) Carlson of Big Fork, MT, Kay (Joe) Caturia of Hastings, and Kari (Tim) McCord of Hastings. After Bill passed away in 1993, she married Joseph Denzer and moved to Lake City. After Joe passed away in 2003, Mary moved back to Hastings where she lived the remainder of her life. Mary enjoyed being with her family, spending summers at her cabin in northern Minnesota, sewing and quilting, traveling, reading and puzzles. Mary was also an active member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Mary is survived by her six children and sixteen grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie) Carlson, Nicole Carlson, Ryan (Carrie) Carlson, Abby Carlson, Chandi (Tyler) Tombre, Jesse (Jennifer) Melby, Jenna Melby, Eric (Taylor) Carlson, Alyssa Carlson, Evan Carlson, William Caturia, Hannah Caturia, Jack Caturia, Mary McCord, James McCord and Katherine McCord; seven great grandchildren, Cade, Jaeger, Aubany, Charlie, and Selah Tombre, Ava Melby, and Leroy Carlson; and by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Carlson; second husband, Joseph Denzer; and by her brother, John Risch. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Reverend Doug Duin officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at church. Private family interment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston at a later date. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in memory of Mary. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.