Joan Arlene Carlson, 81, Minot, died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at her daughter's residence in Snohomish, Washington.

Joan was born June 24, 1931 at Minot, North Dakota, the daughter of Frank and Gladys (Anderson) Eller. She was raised in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1949. She was employed with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company for 27 years as a long distance operator and in various other capacities. Joan was united in marriage to LeRoy Carlson on August 31, 1963 at Brady, Montana. They made their home in Minot throughout the years. LeRoy died October 1, 2003.

Joan enjoyed traveling, reading and gardening. Her favorite activity was shopping, especially for a bargain.

Joan's loving family includes, daughters, Diane (Ed) Ramirez, Sausalito, CA and Lori (Mark) Lee, Snohomish, WA; grandchildren, Bethany, Caleb and Arik Lee; companion and special friend, Bob Pritchett, Minot; sister, Mavonne "Bonnie" Hartman, Spokane, WA ; brother-in-law, Harold Tokrud; step-brother, Gary (Sue) Griffin, Grand Forks, ND;Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Donna Rae Tokerud and step-brothers, James Griffin & Glen Griffin.

Funeral service : Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Sunday, March 24th from Noon-4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church.