Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, our beloved mother, Leona Elaine Carlson, 90, went home to be with the Lord and those she loved and missed. Born June 18, 1926 in Bryant, Wis. to Anton and Anna (Kralovetz) Petska, she cherished her time on the farm with her parents, sisters Althea and Arleen, and all of the animals. As young sisters, they loved to harmonize with the guitar and Mom won first place in a music contest.

She graduated from Antigo High in 1943 and worked at the defense plant in Delavan, Weinbrenner Shoe Factory Company, McLellan dime store, and the Jeanne Shop. Nov. 10, 1945 she married Antigo banker Norman Carlson at the Unity Evangelical and Reformed church that was on Deleglise St. and they were the wonderful parents of two children Valerie (Bob) Raisch (Ocala, Fla) and Dale Carlson (Antigo). While Dad worked almost 40 yrs. at the Peoples Bank before he passed on June 20, 1984, Mom was a devoted wife and mom and always there for us.

Leona was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother Leonard, and sisters Althea Schafer and Arleen Schmiege and niece Nancy (Schafer) Olson.

Mom’s favorite things were: dogs (any and all including her own and Dale’s), Val and Bob’s cats, sauerkraut pizza and a Manhattan, looking at cookbooks, yodeling, and winter. When younger, she enjoyed Schafkopf, snowmobiling, and walking.

For the past year, Mom was living at Evergreen Terrace where the staff so lovingly cared for her in a beautiful environment. Deepest thanks to them and LeRoyer Hospice for watching over her.

Mom will be missed by her children, grand-dog Ruffy, friends and neighbors, cousins, and nieces and nephews: JoAnn, Ken, Sharon, Janice, Allen and Jim.

Celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at Faith United Church of Christ with Rev. Wes Jedras officiating. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Antigo Humane Society, 2204 Clermont St., in Leona’s name.