Obituary of Gretchen D. Carlson

Gretchen D. Carlson, 83, of the Duluth Area, went home to the Lord and her husband George on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Gretchen was born in Hermantown on June 4, 1934 to Carl and Adeline (Wargin) Ruhnke. She attended and graduated from Hermantown High School. Gretchen worked as a custodian and retired from Nopeming Nursing Home. In her retirement, Gretchen enjoyed working on the farm, camping and traveling with her husband George. She was a hard worker and all around people person. She loved to play bingo at Hillside Gardens and spend time with her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband George; her parents; siblings, Delores Koski, Harriet Pelliter, Carl Ruhnke, Lowell Ruhnke, infant brother Howard; daughter, Donnis McKowski; sons Howard and Tim Carlson and 3 grandchildren. Gretchen is survived by her children, Dan (Louise), Jeff (Jaiy), Mark (Candis); daughter-in-law Terri; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members and friends. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Sue and her staff at Comforts of Home in Chippewa Falls. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. memorial service on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to an organization that supports veterans. Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200