In loving memory of

Mary Jean Carlson
September 10, 1938 - February 26, 2020

Memorials can be made in Mary's name to the Whittemore Library or to the Algona Community School Foundation.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2020, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Whittemore with Reverend Mark Resner presiding. Burial will be in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Whittemore.

Mary Jean Carlson was born September 10, 1938, in Algona, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Edna (Nordstrom) Teeter. She grew up in Algona and attended the Algona High School.

On September 25, 1955, Mary Jean was united in marriage to John Carlson in Algona, Iowa. After their marriage they lived in Burt before moving to Whittemore in 1960. Mary worked in the kitchen for the Algona Community School District, managing the lunchroom. She retired in December of 2003 after 35 years of service. Mary very much enjoyed the wonderful group of ladies she worked with.

Mary enjoyed spending time with her husband, John especially on their road trips to Brainerd, MN, and Portland, OR. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and working crossword puzzles. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Mary died Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at the Algona Manor Care Center in Algona, Iowa. She was 81.

She is survived by her children, Randy Carlson of West Bend; Brett and Carolyn Carlson of Algona; Pam and Chris Gugel of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Carrie, John, Ross, Alec, Mattias, Collin and Gillian; seven great-grandchildren, Kiwi, Raelyn, Eva, Geneva, Jeremiah, Grayson and Ella. Also surviving are siblings, Tom Teeter and Patricia Hanauer of Farmington, MN; Kevin (Lia) Potratz of Norwalk; Dale (Barb) Teeter of Algona; Barbara Ann Teeter of Whittemore and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, John on December 8, 2011.


Tributes

Roberta EngstromDurand wrote on Mar 7, 2020:

"To the Carlson family - Extending deepest sympathies on behalf of my mother (Louise Engstrom) and myself."

Jerry and Myrna Meyer wrote on Mar 3, 2020:

"Our deepest sympathy to all of you."

Marie Kemna wrote on Feb 29, 2020:

"My Deepest Sympathy, Carolyn and Family ?"

Jill & Dan Buscherfeld & family wrote on Feb 29, 2020:

"I am sorry for you loss. I feel so fortunate to have known Mary Jean when I was a young girl and my Mom worked with her and then to reconnect in the last couple of years. She was a very special lady! I will never forget her!! Jill & Dan Buscherfeld and family "

Richard and Sharon Thill wrote on Feb 28, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss. Mary Jean always seemed to know me when we visited her at the Manor. She was an awesome lady and served her church and community well. Sharon and Rich Thill"

Mary and Nor, Carlson wrote on Feb 27, 2020:

"Mary Jean, is my sister in-law. What a dear sister and friend she was to me, she always had time to stop at my home in Algona when she would complete her work as a cook at the Algona schools. Invariably she would bring me a gift, something decorative she new I would like , home made goodies or just her smile. Mary and johns home was always a favorite one for our children to visit, they knew they would always be greeted in a fun and caring way. Plus Mary would always say to them ?go pick out a treat? from their big deep freeze, where there were a lot of Dairy Queen treats or homemade cookies etc. Mary Jean had so many unique collections, and decorating ideas. She was a very hard worker and always ready to help others. Norm and I and our children, Stacey, Gina, Spencer and Jessica will remember you FOREVER, and never forget the many great memories we have of you Mary Jean. Our hearts are full of love for those who are mourning her loss ?? Mary and Norm Carlson"