Elsa Marion Carlson

Elsa Marion (Juntunen) Carlson of Carlton passed away on November 26, 2020 at the age of 94. She was born on September 2, 1926 in Esko, the daughter of Hjalmer and Hilma Juntunen. Elsa graduated from Thompson Township High School in 1944. She married Melvin Carlson on January 26,1946. Elsa loved the Lord Jesus, her family, word games, reading, shopping and anything Finnish. (We promised her we wouldn't embellish on anything.) Elsa was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Melvin; sisters and their husbands, Lorna Johnston, Martha (Howard) Boutang, Betty (Jack) Bergstedt, and Lucille Juntunen; brothers and their wives, Bill Juntunen, Carl (Ardie) Juntunen, Earl Juntunen, Art (Mary) Juntunen, Joe Juntunen, Dennis Juntunen and Audry Juntunen. Elsa is survived by her three children, Kay Maria (Joel) Callies of East Bethel, MN, Anne (Jeff) Bodin of Carthage, NC , and John (Sumalee) Carlson of Hua Hin, Thailand; seven grandchildren, Ben (Ann) Osmond, Andrew (Jennifer) Osmond, Jon (Lisa) Osmond, Heidi (John) Regan, Melissa Bodin, Holly (Joe) Smathers, and Jesse Carlson; 14 great grandchildren; one sister, Kay (Marlen) Perttula; two brothers, Roy Juntunen, and Chum (Donna) Juntunen; sisters-in- law, Pauline (Jim) Johnson, Mary Helen Juntunen, Ruth Juntunen, Maryann Juntunen; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Elsa and her family want to especially thank the staff at Inter-Faith Care Center for their love and care for her during these trying times and the hours Chaplain John spent encouraging and praying with her even in her last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Apostolic Lutheran Church 25 Church Rd. Esko, MN. 55733. A graveside memorial service for Elsa is planned for this summer. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. Cards or letters of condolence for the family may be sent c/o Atkins-Northland Funeral Home. To leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.