Frances Rosina Carlson

Frances (Doll) Rosina Carlson May 17, 1920 – December 18, 2024

Frances was born May 17th, 1920, to Louis and Katherine Eidenschink of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She was the 2nd of nine children, with three brothers and five sisters. Fran and her siblings attended a country school in Erie Township, completing the 8th grade. 

After a couple of years, Fran moved to Fargo, where she worked at St. John’s Hospital for two years. While there, she helped the nuns serve meals and cater banquets. Following her time in Fargo, Fran and her sisters moved to Minneapolis to find work. She was a waitress at East Hennepin Restaurant for four years. After the ending of WWII, Fran attended a dance in Minneapolis. She spotted a handsome man across the room and thought to herself, ‘I would like to bring him home to meet my family.’ He came over and asked her to dance. After dating for a couple of years, Fran and her husband, Carl Albert (Al) Carlson were married August 9th, 1947, and celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were also blessed with four children: Harvey, Nancy, Colleen, and Richard. 

Fran was a “stay-at-home” Mom until her youngest son, Richard, was in the 6th grade. She went back to work at Minnesota Fabrics as a cashier manager for 15 years until 1975. Fran and Al retired and began travelling. They attended the Eleventh Armored Division reunions, including the European Battle of the Bulge and many historic sites.

Fran was an active volunteer while raising her family including: Boy Scout Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Blue Bird Assistant, and Secretary of Christian Mothers for 11 yrs. While in Detroit Lakes, she volunteered at Holy Rosary Church making quilts for the Fire Department, Food Shelf, and St. Mary’s Hospital. She accumulated 850 hours volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital. 

Frances was a talented seamstress and a creative crafter. She made countless clothes, quilts, and crafts for her family and others. She also loved to dance. Fran and Al spent many outings going to dances, and could they dance! Waltz, Square Dance, Polka, you name it, they absolutely loved to dance. She stayed active in her later years completing a 5K at 90 and 95. She had a life well-lived and was adored by many.

Fran is survived by her four children, Harvey (Jane) Carlson, Nancy (Robert) McDaniel, Colleen (Robert) Schmit, and Richard Carlson; Grandchildren, Katheryn (Darran) Carlson-Greene, John (Apryl) Carlson, James and Patrick McDaniel, Kyle (Brett) Schmit, Kelli (Tony) Simonson, and Matthew Carlson; Great Grandchildren, Jack, Pearl, and Louis Carlson; Ava and Ryder Simonson; Odessa and Walt Schmit. She is also, survived by her sister and loyal companion, Rose Speldrich.

Dance Little Fran with your beloved husband, brothers, sisters, and enjoy your well-earned time after a life well lived.  

A memorial service for Fran will be conducted on Monday, January 6th, 2025 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Detroit Lakes beginning with a time of visitation at 10am and formal services starting at 11am.  A reception of food and fellowship at the church will immediately follow.

***This funeral Mass will also be livestreamed: it will go live 30 minutes prior to the Mass starting. 

https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams