arna Mae Carlson, age 83, of Cambridge and formerly of Pine City, died March 22, 2016 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West.
Varna Mae Carlson was born July 28, 1932 in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Edwin and Margaret (Hecklinger) Eastwood. She was the oldest of the three daughters. In 1951 she graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul and also attended business college. She started life as a musician and artist. Varna also worked as a secretary. She met Richard Arthur Carlson at a party where they played “spin the bottle” and they were married a short time later. They moved to Pine City in 1971 and Varna has lived at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge for the last two years.
Varna loved her flower gardens and helped at church with their gardens. She especially loved God and time with family. Varna also enjoyed her cats, and raising pigeons and fancy chickens.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Richard Carlson of Pine City, Steve Carlson of Cambridge, Dave (Debbie) Carlson of Cambridge; daughters, Melody Foster of Cambridge, Kathleen (Darrell) Hamilton of Sullivan, Indiana; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one more due in July and by other relatives and friends. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and two sisters, Delores Podgorski and Arvilla Spencer.
A graveside service was held Friday, March 25, 2016 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at StrikeFuneral.com.