Elaine Duella Carlson

Elaine Duella Carlson, age 84, of Duluth, MN passed away on April 12, 2026. She was born in Farmington, MN on January 11, 1942 to parents Adolph and Agnes (Mohn) Olson. As a young girl, her family moved to Duluth. She graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth for several years before leaving school early to help support her family. Her commitment to others was the hallmark in which she lived her life. Whether it was her parents, in-laws, children, friends, or grandchildren, Elaine never put herself first. Her selflessness was adored and admired by those fortunate enough to have known her. She married Dick Carlson in 1963, and together they raised four children. They enjoyed volunteering for various events and singing in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church, where Elaine was a nearly lifelong member. Elaine kept a low profile, never wanting to be the center of attention. Special hobbies of hers were sewing, quilting, and baking. As her kids were growing up, she started an at-home daycare, and throughout most of her life, she also supported Dick in his careers and various small business ventures. She always had a pot of coffee on and her famous sugar cookies on a plate, anxious to share them with neighbors and relatives who would often stop in for a visit. More than anything, she loved her family, who will greatly miss her.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents Adolph and Agnes Olson, husband Dick Carlson, and brother-in-law Carl Hammerberg. She is survived by her older brother, Orlyn (Bonnie) Olson, her older sister, Darlene Hammerberg, and her children: Greg (Juliana) of Bethel, Alaska, Kelly (Jim Walls) Schattschneider of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Melissa Bourbonniere of Anoka, Minnesota and Daryl (Heather) of Duluth. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Katie (Sam) Perry, Kevyn (Reid) Ward, Christopher Carlson, Ali Carlson, Leah Schattschneider, Haley (Austin) Huelskamp, Joeli Carlson, and Hayden Carlson, as well as three great-grandchildren: Elijah Bourbonniere, Holden Perry, and Graham Ward, and in addition, Baby Boy Perry due in July, along with many extended family, friends and in-laws.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15th from 5-7 p.m. in Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd Street, Duluth 55806. Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 16th at 11:00 A.M. in Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811. Interment at the MN State Veterans Cemetery. A live stream of the service will be made available at www.facebook.com/dfhduluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to Grace Lutheran Church or a charitable organization of your choice.