Gail Eleanor (Carlson) Doesken

Gail Doesken, 91, of Willmar, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.

Gail was born on December 27, 1933, on the family farm near Pennock, Minnesota, to Clayton and Myrtle (Johnson) Carlson. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem Covenant Church. Gail attended District 14 South School for her elementary education before graduating from Willmar High School in 1951.

On September 15, 1951, Gail married Marvin Doesken at Salem Covenant Church. They made their home in Willmar and were blessed with three children: Eugene, Bruce, and Jan. Gail worked in various roles throughout her life, including at Woolworth’s, Anderson Vigen Paint Store, the Willmar Vo-Tech, and for 25 years as a cook for Willmar Public Schools. In recent years, Gail resided at Bethesda Grand.

Gail was a longtime member of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. She enjoyed many activities, including motorcycle trips with Marvin and friends, frequent breakfast outings to Sunray Café, and afternoon coffee at CashWise. She had a passion for baking, cooking, shopping, cross-stitching, and embroidery. Gail also loved playing dominos with family and friends, as well as trips to Branson. A devoted fan of country music, especially Charlie Pride, she also delighted in birdwatching, with a special fondness for cardinals and eagles.

Above all, Gail treasured her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply, always wishing the best for them.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Jan Hood (fiancé, Shawn Nelson) of Willmar; five grandchildren: Daniel Hood, Ryan Hood, Amy Hood, Jared (Julia) Hood, and Stacey (Rick) Wolfe; and six great-grandchildren: Ava, Kingston, Mason, Evan, Jackson, and Rosalie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; her sons, Eugene and Bruce; and her brother, Wilbert (Darlene) Carlson.

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