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Vivian Marie Carlson

Vivian Carlson

MENOMINEE, MI – Vivian Marie Carlson, passed away peacefully at Atrium Post Acute Care of Menominee on Thursday, May 23, 2019, under the wonderful care of the Atrium caregivers, UP Hospice and her daughter and son in law.

Vivian always said her life began when she moved to Menominee as a young woman. She never wanted to live anywhere else as the community was so good to her.

She was born in Eben Junction, Michigan on April 18, 1924, to Christina (Nyman) and Arthur Maki and was delivered by her grandmother, a Finnish midwife, Paulina (Parkilla) Nyman. Vivian was the first girl after four boys. Her first language was Finnish.

Vivian married James Carlson on June 25, 1949. She had two children, Gary and Sandra. Vivian had many jobs throughout her life. She was a cook’s helper at a lumber camp in Big Bay, Michigan and a housekeeper at Rock River Cabins near Autrain, Michigan. After moving to Menominee, she was a paint sprayer at Bresnahan Wood Products, a line worker assembling fans at Signal, and a time keeper at Heywood Wakefield.

She was an early female entrepreneur co-owning with her husband Bay View Lanes, the last bowling alley in Menominee with pinsetters, and the Starlight Club, a bar known for fish fries and polka bands. Vivian graduated from Menominee High School as an adult and was proud she got her degree. She went on to get a real estate license. Vivian volunteered at the Menominee County Lloyd Hospital and was on the board at Lloyd Employees Federal Credit Union where she helped make decisions on loans. She was proud of all the people helped by these loans. Vivian was a great bowler and golfer.

She had the high average in bowling in Menominee and Marinette for many years and was inducted into the local Hall of Fame for Bowlers. A bowling highlight was when she bowled on TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin on WBAY in the 1960’s. In golf she was proud of her hole in one. She made many friends through these activities and treasured all of them.

Vivian played cards weekly, spent time on Facebook, and went to the casino as often as she could. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She was a big fan of the television program Suomi Kutsuu or Finland Calling and it’s host Carl Pellonpaa. Vivian loved the Green Bay Packers and was a shareholder. She also enjoyed watching baseball and was a fan of both the Tigers and Brewers. Vivian loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed meeting all their friends. She also spent special hours with her great-grandchildren joining them in activities and projects.

Vivian is survived by her daughter: Sandra (David) Bonsall of Marquette, MI; son: Gary (Maryanne Koschier) Carlson of Boulder, CO; 5 grandchildren: Bruce (Carol) Carlson, Robyn (Richard) Carlson, Brian (Shannon) Bonsall, Scott Bonsall and Leigh Bonsall; great-grandchildren: Scott Carlson, Madeline Bonsall and Georgia Bonsall; former daughter-in-law: Mardee Carlson; sister-in-law: Helen Eisert; husband’s cousin: Barb (Richard) Nielsen; cousin: Clarence Nyman; good friend: Jeanette Lawton; many nieces and nephews.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, husband; and four brothers: Frank, Charles, Reino and Leonard.

Family will receive friends at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday June 1, 2019, from 9:00 am until time of Memorial Service at 11:00 am with Reverend Mark Laatsch officiating.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Cadieu Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Because Vivian loved her Finnish heritage, donations in memory of Vivian Carlson can be made to: Finnish American Cultural Center 601 Quincy Street Hancock, Michigan 49930.