Catherine ‘Cathy’ Carlson

Cathy was born in Ishpeming on May 1, 1944, the youngest of six children to the late Mary (Donato) and Frank Valela. She graduated from Ishpeming High School with the Class of 1962 and went on to attend cosmetology school in Green Bay, WI. On August 1, 1964, Cathy married the love of her life, R. Pete Carlson, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with seven children. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Cathy cherished raising her family-always including Pete in the circle of love she created at home. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where her faith guided her life. Sunday Italian dinners were a cherished tradition, with Cathy taking great pride in preparing meals that brought her family together. She was also a dedicated volunteer at the St. Rocco / St. Anthony Society’s annual Italian Fest in Ishpeming, helping serve hundreds each year. Cathy loved an occasional trip to the local casinos to try her luck. She will be especially remembered by the Westwood wrestling community for faithfully making her famous ‘Grandma’s hard bread’ for every banquet, as well as being one of their most loyal fans.

Cathy is survived by her seven children: John (Jacki) Carlson, Elaine Lancour, Ray (Wendy) Carlson, Frank (Kelly) Carlson, Dan (Kathleen) Carlson, Steve (Nancy) Carlson, and Ann (Dane) Christesen, all of the Ishpeming area; grandchildren: Emily Carlson, David Lancour, Shaylee (Ray) Anderson, Vincente (Bethany) Carlson, Wyatt Carlson, Justin Hatch, Zach Carlson, Kelli (Tony) Blade, Derek Carlson, Peter Carlson, Lonnie (Morgan) Hess, Anthony (Fred Macatula) Carlson, Rocco (Elizabeth Williams) Carlson, Seth (Joseph) McClees, Cheryl Carlson, Mary Carlson, Caleb Christesen, Nicholas Christesen, and Myra Brien; great-grandchildren: Sebastian Carlson, Rose Blade, Emmett and Isaiah Hess, Arthur and Juliet Anderson, Gabriel Brien, and another expected; brother-in-law Ross (Barbara) Carlson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pete, on August 19, 2024; her parents; her in-laws, John ‘Cowboy’ and Elaine Carlson; siblings Joseph Valela, Bruno Valela, Mary Jacobson, Theresa Bertucci, and Clara Joseph; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John ‘Yogi’ (Sandi) Carlson, Norman Carlson, and Ann LaCosse.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am to­ 1:00pm on Monday August 18, 2025, at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00pm on Monday with Fr. Larry Van Damme to officiate. A luncheon will follow the services in the K/D Hall. Pallbearers will be David Lancour, Vincente, Rocco, Zach, Cheryl and Wyatt Carlson and Nicholas Christesen.

Cathy’s love for her family, her faith, and her community will be forever remembered. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, tradition, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church – Memorial Fund, 325 S. Pine St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Cathy’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.