Pamela Denise Carlson

TIME CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER- Pamela D. Carlson, 63, of Willmar, died Sunday, November 24th at Carris Health Rice Hospital in Willmar. Her memorial service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 3rd at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Kerkhoven.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org

Pam was born on June 16, 1956 in Ogilvie, MN to Lorraine Burmeister. When Lorraine and Henry Vanderberg were married three years later, Henry adopted her, and Pam joined the Vanderberg family as a beloved child. She was raised on the Vanderberg farm near Ogilvie, and loved being a farm girl. She graduated from Ogilvie High School in 1974 and then went to the St Cloud School of Nursing, earning an LPN in 1977.  Following this, Pam began working at the Willmar State Hospital.

She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Mora and confirmed her faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogilvie. She served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher until her health prevented this, and continued making hundreds of prayer shawls for nursing homes, hospitals, hospice, and others.

Pam was united in marriage to Jeffrey Carlson on December 30, 1977, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogilvie. Their life together took them all over the country, from Kerkhoven to North Dakota, Washington, back to Minnesota, and eventually returning to Willmar in 2010.  Amidst these moves, Pam transitioned to becoming a fulltime homemaker, even sometimes homeschooling her daughters. 

Pam’s heart overflowed with love. She took in strays and always had animals about. She was talented; knitting, crocheting and quilting innumerable gifts for others. She loved spending time with friends and family, whether playing games or just visiting. 
Pamela passed away on Sunday, November 24th at Carris Health Rice Hospital in Willmar surrounded by her family.  She is survived by her husband Jeff of Willmar; daughters: Kristine Carlson of Willmar, Linda (and Weston) Heuer of Maple Grove; grandchildren Jeffrey and Diana; siblings: Bob (and Sherry) Vanderberg of Mora, Cindy (and Wes) Arends of Ogilvie, Robin Saari of Mora, David Vanderberg of Mora, Bill Vanderberg of Rosemount; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

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