Obituary of Phyllis May Carlson

Phyllis May Bestland was born on May 3, 1928 in Hanley Falls, MN to Gilbert and Rebecca (Kjelleberg) Bestland. She went to her heavenly home on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Funeral will be Friday, November 8 at 11 AM at Beaver Lake Lutheran Church in Maplewood, MN. Burial will be in Slayton, MN.

Phyllis grew up attending Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church; where she was Baptized, enjoyed Sunday School and was Confirmed. She attended Hanley Falls Schools; in high school she was active in choir, glee club and cheerleading.

She met Winston Carlson at a dance hall after he returned from the Service as a Marine. They were married on April 13, 1947 and lived in Slayton, MN. On May 4, 1948 they welcomed their son, Douglas. Douglas passed away in May 1951. Winston passed away in November 2010.

After the Carlson’s moved from Slayton to the metro area, Phyllis worked at the State of MN Motor Vehicle Records department. Prior to and after that lengthy employment, she worked for various restaurants and retail gift shops, with her last and favorite at 3M. She was the ultimate hostess and enjoyed baking and preparing meals for others. She will forever be remembered for putting vegetables in Jello and the most delicious Chocolate Caramel Bars.

As a faithful servant and devote Christian, Phyllis lived her life as she learned early on from the Bible – trust, believe, be humble, be kind and love unconditionally. She and Winston were charter members of Beaver Lake Lutheran Church; it was there that she devoted most of her time – from Bible study, choir, women’s group, the fall fair, crafting, cooking and cleaning. She will be missed but is now in the arms of the Lord, whom she was ready to meet. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas; husband, Winston; parents, Gilbert and Rebecca; siblings and their spouses: Virgil (Ione) Bestland, Beverly (Don) Wolfe and David (Kay) Bestland and nephew, Lynn Bestland. She is survived by nieces and nephews and a host of friends.