Obituary for Doris A. Carlson

Our beloved mother, Doris Carlson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Doris was born at home on January 28, 1927, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Dorothy (Miller) and Archibald Strauss. She married LeRoy Bergh in 1946 and later divorced. In 1958 she married Maynard Carlson at their home outside of West Salem and they began a new life together. Doris worked as a secretary, first at Lutheran Hospital and then later at a Culvert Company in West Salem. Her primary role was raising their seven children. She was artistic and adventurous and would lead her children on “archeological” digs, hiking, biking, canoeing and all things creative. Doris and Maynard loved to travel with their friends, Jack and Barbara Cain, and saw many parts of the world as well as the United States. Despite being a quiet woman, she had a strong will and gave her children all a sense of individuality and helped them to pursue their passions. She had a deep spirituality and instilled many values in her children and encouraged debate. Doris is survived by her children, Gregory (Cindy Stahl) , Jon (Reeta Storandt) , Corinne (Steve Severson), Joy (David Martin), Jill (Mark Schomberg), Kris , and Rick (Sandra Davis); 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 3 great -great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Maynard; her parents, Archibald and Dorothy (Miller-Strauss-Young); a step-father, Orrin Young; and one brother, Robert (Sue) Strauss. A celebration of life is scheduled for the spring.