Patricia J. Carlson

Patricia Jane Malmberg Carlson was born in 1941 in Minneapolis and was the youngest of six children born to William and Edith Malmberg. She often told of the treasured memories she had with her close knit family. Her favorite memory was big brother Vince making divinity on Saturday nights while they enjoyed watching the new invention called television. The Malmberg’s have always been known for two things, the “Malmberg sense of humor” led by Brother Vince, and the “Minnesota Goodbye” led by Sister Evelyn that always included a box of Kleenex.

Patricia married John David Carlson at the ripe age of 21, in the year 1962. She worked as a secretary for the President of Equitable Life Insurance and loved to tell her stories of the fun she had working there. After four years of trying, she became pregnant with their Son Brent. After he was born, she never wanted to leave him, and begun her dream of being a stay at home Mom. Three years later, her Daughter Wendy was born, and her family was complete.

Patricia was an amazing Mother and Wife, always being there for anything that was needed. She taught her children the lifelong importance of compassion for others and having Faith in God. While being a homemaker, she enjoyed volunteering at Earle Brown Grade School and at Lutheran Church of the Master. She was also involved in the Women’s Bible Study Group Dorcas. One of her favorite life experiences that she often spoke of, was teaching Sunday school to the disabled adults. They absolutely loved her.

When Patricia was just 39 years old, she received the news that she had Multiple Sclerosis. Being the tough Swede that she was, Patricia fought against MS most of her life and rose above the debilitating disease. It didn’t stop her from continuing to raise her two children, and plugging along like nothing had changed.

Patricia’s most favorite part of her life was when she became a Grandmother. Alexander William and Collin John were born in 2001, Braeden Ron in 2004 and Emma Rae born in 2005. The next twenty years were focused on being an amazing Grandmother. The Grandkids can attest that she was pretty much perfection. They will always remember Grandma having parties for each and every occasion which included goodie bags, Bingo games with prizes, and homemade fudge brownies. She also was known for the best Macaroni and Cheese in town, and Bologna Butter Sandwiches that could never be made better by anyone else. MS didn’t hold Patricia back from being as active as she could with the Grandchildren. There were countless trips to the zoo, lots of spoiling shopping trips and she always went to every school program. Two years ago she was ecstatic to witness her two oldest Grandchildren graduating High School. Patricia could not have been more proud of her four Grandchildren, and her legacy will forever be in their hearts to carry on to their own children.

Last month, August 25th 2021, Patricia and Dave celebrated 59 years of marriage. Such an accomplishment is not easily tackled by many. Their love, devotion and commitment to each other surpassed all of the struggles they faced in those 59 years with the loss of many cherished family members and both having challenging health issues. Before they were married, Dave wrote a letter to Patricia with the ending “I will never leave you”. Words of true love that held its promise to 59 years. Life isn’t easy, but they made a beautiful one together, and Patricia will always be with her family each and every day until they meet again in Heaven.

Years back, Patricia wrote some advice for her Grandson Alex to use as he got older. Remembering and applying these words of wisdom would be a wonderful way to memorialize Patricia, and to never forget the kind, compassionate and loving person she was to everyone around her. The advice was: “Always have lots of confidence in yourself, never say ‘I Can’t Do It’ until you have given it a good try. Be a good friend and try to praise others. Lastly, have a strong faith, always believe in God and thank him for all of your accomplishments in life.

Patricia’s Husband, Children and Grandchildren will miss her deeply each and every day, but are so thankful to have had her in their life and to be able to call her Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She was and will forever be deeply loved.

Please Join Us at Sunset Cemetery, 2250 St Anthony Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN, on Thursday, September 23rd, at 11 am for Patricia's Committal Service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Carlson family.