Carlson, Donna M. Donna was born in St. Paul, MN on November 9th, 1942. She attended grade school at St. Casimirs in St. Paul and graduated from White Bear High School. She later attended Lakewood Community College, where she received a two-year Associates degree. In 1989 Donna enrolled at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, majoring in English with a minor in Business. Donna met her husband, Harry Carlson, of Evansville, MN in 1963. In 1964 they were married at the Cathedral in St. Paul, MN. During their 55 plus years of marriage they were blessed with four children and seven grandchildren. During her life, Donna became an active member of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish when they purchased their first home in St. Paul. In 1973 Donna would suffer the most painful time of her life, her fourth & youngest child, Matthew, died suddenly. In January of 1974 Donna's family moved to their new home in Lino Lakes where they became members of St. Joseph of the Lakes. In time, Donna would serve as a Lay Presider and Eucharistic Minister. In 1981 she was the founding coordinator for the home delivered meals. In 1986 she was the founding coordinator of the Parish Loaves and Fishes Too Program. She also served as the editor of the St. Joseph newsletter. In 2004 Donna and Harry began construction of their new home in Millerville Township, where they became members of the Church of Our Lady of Seven Dolors. Donna was also involved in many civic duties in Lino Lakes. Some of these included, serving on the Planning and Zoning Board, the city council for eight years, the 20-20 Vision Advisory Group, and the Centennial Fire District Steering Committee. In 2005 Donna would receive the Meritorious Citizenship Award from the Minnesota State Patrol. She also served with the Fairview Lakes Regional Health Care Board, the Memorial District Hospital Board, and the Minnesota Hospital Association Trustee Council. Donna's outreach continued in 2015 when she became active with a great group, "Save our Pensions Minnesota." Donna was able to speak out and write. One of her articles, "Red flags for those mapping out their retirement years", was printed in the Star Tribune. Donna Marie Carlson passed away on July 24th, 2019, at the age of 76, surrounded by family at her home in Millerville Township, after facing a 19 month battle with pancreatic cancer with strength and without complaint. She is preceded in death by her son, Matthew; grandmother, Mary Treiweiler; her parents, Harold and Loraine Casper; her sister, Mary Jo; her brother, Harold; niece, Monica Walker, and brothers-in-law, Gary Larson, Brad Larson, and Fred Carlson. Donna is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harry Carlson; children, Michael (LeeAnne) Carlson, Christine (Scott) Anderson, and Elaina (Ann) Carlson; grand-children, Michaela (Justin) Kofoed, Cole Carlson, Jessica Carlson, Jordan Anderson, Alexandra Carlson, Alexa Ackerman, Aiden Ackerman; sister, Naomi (Ron) Berndt; sisters-in-law, Colleen (Clayton) Rustad, Dorothy (Roger) Anderson, Elaine Larson, Virginia (Gregg) Walker, Mary Larson, and Gloria Carlson; brother-in-law, Robert (Juane) Carlson, and many loved nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, August 2 at ST. JOSEPH OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes. Interment St. Joseph's Church Cemetery. Visitation at the church 9:30 11 AM. MUELLER-BIES 651-784-3390 muellerbies.com