Carla Diane Tezak, age 80, passed away December 9, 2024 at Essentia Health Hospital.  She was born on August 2, 1944 in Duluth to Carl Lundgren and Juanita Edstrom.

Carla owned and operated her own dog grooming business, where she cared for and loved all animals.  She later worked at Nopeming Nursing Home where she worked as an activities director and eventually retired as a receptionist from St. Louis County.  Carla enjoyed music, especially Elvis Presley, dancing, collecting angels and spending time with her family and friends.

Carla’s family was first and foremost.  She wasn’t just a mother, she was a friend.  Always joyous, with a contagious laugh.  Her children and grandchildren were her world.  Carla went through so much in her lifetime with different health trials.  She stayed strong and through her we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.  Carla was the heart and soul of our family and she will be dearly missed.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Martin Tezak; brother, Jimmy Manke; sister, Donna Waisanen.

She is survived by her children, Kelly (Mark) Mallory, Keith (Diane) Larson, Kandy Anderson, Robert (Sheila) Galovich; brother, Bradley Edstrom; grandchildren, Jaime (Christopher) LaGraves , Jessica Mallory, Brett Larson, Kayla Larson, Brandon Wietman and Madelyn Galovich; many great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the Essentia Health Hospice and Palliative care and the chaplain for their care and comfort.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service on Monday, December 16, 2024 at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth.