Donna F. Carlson

Donna F. Carlson, 78, of Sioux City died Sunday, March 11, 2007, at a Sioux City retirement home following a lengthy illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Michael Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Donna was born Aug. 24, 1928, in Sioux City, the daughter of Alvin M. and Caroline S. (Luth) Carlson. She was raised on a farm near Laurel, Neb., that her grandfather Carlson homesteaded. She attended country school in Cedar County, Neb., and graduated from Laurel High School. Her father died when she was 18 years old. She became the sole supporter for her mother and brother. She went on and received a two-year teaching certificate from Wayne State College and later her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1960 from Wayne State College.

She began teaching at the age of 19 in Winnebago, Neb., Omaha Public School, Sterling, Colo., and Whittier School in Sioux City. Later, she became a traveling art teacher in the Sioux City School System.

She was active at the Sioux City Art Center. She loved nature and incorporated art into her science classes. She was proud of her Swedish and German heritage. She enjoyed her friendships of all ages. She liked to garden and travel to art galleries. She also enjoyed entertaining, having parties and taking pictures to share with her friends.

Survivors include many cousins; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Arnold "Arlo" Carlson; and an infant sister.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Dennison, Scott Koch, Steve Koch, Bruce Koch, Joe Koch and Larry Roesler.

Memorials in her name may be made to Wayne State College Art Department.