Joan M. Carlson, 94, of Ellison Bay, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2026 at her home with family by her side.
Joan was born on October 18, 1931 in Ellison Bay, WI, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Annette (Nelson) Wickman. She graduated from Gibraltar High School class of 1949. On June 9, 1951, she married Robert "Bob" J. Carlson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. She was a devoted wife of a 22-year Navy Veteran and returned home to Ellison Bay after Bob's retirement. She was a dedicated wife and mother. There was nothing more important to her than her family.
They shared their hospitality with those vacationing to Northern Door as they owned and operated Europe Lake Retreat (now Parkside Cottage). They were blessed with 66 years of marriage together before Bob preceded her in death on April 8, 2018. Family was her greatest blessing.
She is survived by her six children, Debbie (Greg) Casperson, Gayle Carlson, Gary (Lisa) Carlson, Roxy (Curt) Wiltse, Ted (Connie) Carlson, and Carol (Gary) Dismuke; 14 grandchildren, Celeste (Angel), Keith (Teressa), Jon, Adam (Sarah), Michael, Jeremy, James (Somer), Nicole (Scott), Joe (Claudia), Jonathan (Serina), Amanda (Derrick), Ashley (Casey), Sarah (Brian), and Nicolai (Holly); 30 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister, Nyla Small; brother, Larry Wickman; sister-in-law, Cheryl Carlson; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; mother and father-in-law, Carl and Helen Carlson; sisters, Pat Anderson, and Gloria Johnson; grandson, Joshua Talaga; brothers-in-law, Theodore C. Carlson, Robert Small, Roger Johnson, Carl T. Carlson, and Darrell Anderson.
"Mom was born a small-town girl and died a small-town girl. She will always be remembered for being a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, always making family gatherings so special at their home by Europe Lake. She loved corresponding with family and receiving photos on her iPad."
Joan was a longtime faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, (now Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at the Ellison Bay Cemetery. Luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, PO Box 27, Ellison Bay WI 54210.
Joan's family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Hospice, especially Amanda, for their wonderful care. "We are forever grateful to our sister, Gayle, for her devoted and loving care to Mom, allowing her to live the rest of her life at home."
Arrangements have been entrusted with Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Joan may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.
