Joan L. Drake Carlson, 75, passed away peacefully at her home at 8:37 a.m. Sunday, January 15, 2012.
Joan was born, the daughter of John H. and Viola May (Lee) Drake on February 15, 1936. She graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1954.
On June 27, 1954, Joan and LaVerne R. “Swede” Carlson were married at the Plymouth First United Church of Christ.
Joan worked for the local G&G Grocery in Plymouth for 15 years. She retired from Wal-Mart after working there for 15 years in September, 2008.
A member of the Donaldson Evangelical Covenant Church, Joan was a willing and faithful volunteer for many activities of the church.
She enjoyed sewing and made her three daughters and seven grandchildren each a quilted Christmas tree skirt. She taught herself to crochet. As they were born, each grandchild received a first baby afghan. Joan’s greatest memory was going on a cruise to the Bahamas with her husband, daughters and sons-in-law to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Joan is survived by her loving husband, Swede. Also surviving are her three daughters: Jerri L. (David) Benjamin and their daughters, Tracy and Jamie of Naperville, Ill.; Sherri (Bob) Wilson, of Grovertown and their son, Levi (Brandii) Wilson and and their daughters Libby and Paige of Cleveland, OH.; and Danae (Chris) Howard and their son Hunter and twin girls Braylee and Sophee of Walkerton, IN. and Ashlie (Tom) Hartgraves of Indianapolis, IN.; Jody (Ty) Fischer and their daughter Erica and son Lucas of Ocoee, FL.
Three sisters also survive Joan’s passing. They are Phyllis M. (Stan) Gniadek of Portage, IN.; Carolyn J. Miller of Seneca, S.C. and Barbara K. Drake of Anderson, IN.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Karen Sue Drake, a brother Leon “Bud” Drake and a brother-in-law, Tom Miller.
Friends may visit with the family from 4 – 8 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Indiana.
Funeral services for Joan will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home, Pastor Mark Harder of the Evangelical Covenant Church will officiate.
Interment will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Union Road, Donaldson, IN.
Joan’s family wishes to thank the many caregivers and friends, her church and all who offered their services and prayers throughout this difficult time.
Memorial gifts in Joan’s memory may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Covenant Church, P.O. Box 67, Donaldson, IN 46513.
Shirley Lacher Cox says
Swede and family,,,,,My sympathy to you and the children. I am in Florida but I will keep you in prayer. I was sorry to hear this. Prov. 3:5 & 6
Sharon (Haff ) Tharp says
So sorry to receive the sad news of Joans death. Graduated with her in the class of \’54 and shared good times with her during our high school years. Sweet person.
Elaine Amor says
I was so saddened to learn of Joan\’s passing today. I wasn\’t aware of her illiness until this past Friday. Sending my sincere sympathy to Swede and family. Always enjoyed the many fun times I had with Joan during high school and thereafter.
Elaine Wickens Amor
HEIDI REECE says
Sherri, Jerri, and Jodi,
So sirry about your mom-you all are in our prayers-give your dad a big hug from me-I know how all you feel right now as the pain from the passing of my mom in June is still there-it is so so hard to lose your mother-stay close with your dad as he needs all three of you right now-I love all of you.
God Bless You,
Heidi Reece
Mindy Collins says
Heaven has surely received a beautiful angel…..My thoughts, prayers and love go out to Joan\’s family. I miss my friend and her loving hugs. I feel so blessed to have known such a strong courageous women. Rest in peace my friend , you will be in my heart forever……..Love you Swede and Sheri…….Mindy
Susan Sharpless-Strother says
Thinking of you all and praying for you in this great loss even though we know she is \”home\” it is a hard journey. Pray that you will sense His presence and that fond memories will carry you in the days ahead as you celebrate life.
Donna Martis says
My sincerest sympathy to the entire family. I have been keeping in touch with Barb regarding Joan\’s health for the past few months. I can remember riding bikes over there when we were kids and the family gatherings that I was included in. Lately, I had seen Joan and Laverne several times at a local Plymouth restaurant having breakfast. I know each of you will hold your memories close to your heart and I hope they will give you strength during this time. God Bless you all.
Kindest Regards,
Donna (Wedding) Martis
Dennis & Linda Croy says
Dear Sherri (& Bob),
The thought of you guys blesses our hearts. Thanks for reaching out to us, way back …precious memories they will always be. Please accept our sympathy and know we will be keeping you in prayer in these coming days. Love, Dennis & Linda
Marcie L. Sasso says
We send our deepest sympathies to you & your family, Jerri. Your mom will always be with you. She is in Heaven with no more pain, and is worshipping our Lord & Saviour! It\’s hard for us here, left behind, but the memories get us through, and the fact that we will see her again, gets us through as well.
Love & Hugs!
Marcie, Mike & Bella Sasso
Bomber and Nita Wickey says
Swede and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Joan\’s passing. What a very special lady she was and she will be missed greatly.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bomber and Nita Wickey
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kathy Hays says
My sincerest sympathies to all of you. My Mother, Patsy (Welsh) Johnson was Joan\’s first cousin. My prayers go out to you, Phyllis, Carolyn and especially Barb. I live in Indianapolis an would love to hear from you Barb.
Kathy (Johnson) Hays
Mark & Dorothy Goss says
Swede & Carlson Family,
So sorry for the great loss of you wife mom & family.
What a sweet & beautiful woman & neighbor. She will be greatly missed.
God has been truly been blessed by having her in heaven with Him.
Our prayer are given to you & family for this loss.
Anonymous says
Shirley Lacher Cox says
Swede and family,,,,,My sympathy to you and the children. I am in Florida but I will keep you in prayer. I was sorry to hear this. Prov. 3:5 & 6
Sharon (Haff ) Tharp says
So sorry to receive the sad news of Joans death. Graduated with her in the class of \’54 and shared good times with her during our high school years. Sweet person.
Elaine Amor says
I was so saddened to learn of Joan\’s passing today. I wasn\’t aware of her illiness until this past Friday. Sending my sincere sympathy to Swede and family. Always enjoyed the many fun times I had with Joan during high school and thereafter.
Elaine Wickens Amor
HEIDI REECE says
Sherri, Jerri, and Jodi,
So sirry about your mom-you all are in our prayers-give your dad a big hug from me-I know how all you feel right now as the pain from the passing of my mom in June is still there-it is so so hard to lose your mother-stay close with your dad as he needs all three of you right now-I love all of you.
God Bless You,
Heidi Reece
Mindy Collins says
Heaven has surely received a beautiful angel…..My thoughts, prayers and love go out to Joan\’s family. I miss my friend and her loving hugs. I feel so blessed to have known such a strong courageous women. Rest in peace my friend , you will be in my heart forever……..Love you Swede and Sheri…….Mindy
Susan Sharpless-Strother says
Thinking of you all and praying for you in this great loss even though we know she is \”home\” it is a hard journey. Pray that you will sense His presence and that fond memories will carry you in the days ahead as you celebrate life.
Donna Martis says
My sincerest sympathy to the entire family. I have been keeping in touch with Barb regarding Joan\’s health for the past few months. I can remember riding bikes over there when we were kids and the family gatherings that I was included in. Lately, I had seen Joan and Laverne several times at a local Plymouth restaurant having breakfast. I know each of you will hold your memories close to your heart and I hope they will give you strength during this time. God Bless you all.
Kindest Regards,
Donna (Wedding) Martis
Dennis & Linda Croy says
Dear Sherri (& Bob),
The thought of you guys blesses our hearts. Thanks for reaching out to us, way back …precious memories they will always be. Please accept our sympathy and know we will be keeping you in prayer in these coming days. Love, Dennis & Linda
Marcie L. Sasso says
We send our deepest sympathies to you & your family, Jerri. Your mom will always be with you. She is in Heaven with no more pain, and is worshipping our Lord & Saviour! It\’s hard for us here, left behind, but the memories get us through, and the fact that we will see her again, gets us through as well.
Love & Hugs!
Marcie, Mike & Bella Sasso
Bomber and Nita Wickey says
Swede and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Joan\’s passing. What a very special lady she was and she will be missed greatly.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bomber and Nita Wickey
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kathy Hays says
My sincerest sympathies to all of you. My Mother, Patsy (Welsh) Johnson was Joan\’s first cousin. My prayers go out to you, Phyllis, Carolyn and especially Barb. I live in Indianapolis an would love to hear from you Barb.
Kathy (Johnson) Hays
Mark & Dorothy Goss says
Swede & Carlson Family,
So sorry for the great loss of you wife mom & family.
What a sweet & beautiful woman & neighbor. She will be greatly missed.
God has been truly been blessed by having her in heaven with Him.
Our prayer are given to you & family for this loss.
Anonymous says