Republic – Kay (Barbara) Carlson, age 70, of 6581 Carlson Ln., Republic passed away on Tuesday September 4, 2007 at her home in Republic while surrounded by her family and under the care of the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Kay was born on July 07, 1937 in Negaunee, MI to Robert and Grace (Leveillie) McWilliams. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. On January 23, 1954 she married Donald A. Carlson and they started their life together in Republic, MI, where they have resided since.

Kay devoted her life to her husband, children and grandchildren who will all miss her dearly. Her love for learning led her to become a woman of many talents which included beautiful hand-made cards, Keepsake quilts for all of her grandchildren, scrap-booking, crocheting, knitting, sewing, rag-rug carpets, cooking and baking.

After taking piano lessons as a child she always felt that yearning to be able to play, so about 5 years ago she began lessons again. It was a great pleasure for her to sit and play and learn new songs.

Kay was an avid reader and especially enjoyed historical novels. Her love for learning led her to research her family history and she was in the process of making each of her children a Family History Book which covered not only her family but Donald's as well. Kay was a charter member of the Republic Area Historical Society and her most recent interests included Thai Chi and a new book club.

Kay is survived by her husband of 53 years, Donald A. Carlson of Republic. Her children, Kristie (Joe) Parkinson of Republic, Shane A. Carlson of Assonet, MA, Sandy Carlson of Appleton, WI, Carrie (David) Todd of Butler, PA. Chad (Katrina) Carlson of Houghton, MI. and daughter-in-law Karen Carlson of Ishpeming, MI, Her Grandchildren, Tony (Sarah) Parkinson, Kaylin and Andria Parkinson, Erin and Ian Carlson, Travis Mattson and Torii Matthews, Brittany and Cole Carlson, Clarissa, Maddeline and Aidan Todd, Caleb and Garrett Carlson and Great Grandson Lucas Mattson, also sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bernice and Elmer Piirto and sister-in-law Alice Hakala. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son Arley Carlson, her parents and her brother Bobby McWilliams.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Friday Sept. 7, 2007 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic with the Rev. Katherine Finegan to officiate. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until the time of services on Friday at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren – Tony, Kaylin and Andria Parkingson, Travis Mattson, Brittany and Cole Carlson. Honorary pallbearers are her remaining loving grandchildren.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Republic Area Historical Society or the Bethany Lutheran Church.

The Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.