Ishpeming – Sandra Lee Carlson, age 66, of 806 N. Second St., Ishpeming passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided since May 16th. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her death.

Sandi was born February 19, 1950 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Arthur and Ina (Lahtinen) Aho. Sandi was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1968 and went on to attend Northern Michigan University where she received a bachelors degree in Education. She married John E. "Yogi" Carlson on December 2, 1972 at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Sandi had worked for the West Ishpeming Dental Center as a dental assistant for 20 years, retiring in 2000.

Sandi was a lifelong member of the Bethel Lutheran Church where she had been a Sunday school teacher and was active in the Sarah Circle of the WELCA. She enjoyed "Ladies Club" a group of friends which had met weekly for over 40 years. Sandi's radio dial was always set to NPR Radio 90. She will be remembered as a very creative person, often designing her own birthday and Christmas cards to be sent to family and friends, doing various craft projects, writing songs and always decorating her home. In more recent years, Sandi cherished her role as grandma and her grandchildren became the light of her life.

Sandi is survived by her husband – John "Yogi" Carlson of Ishpeming, 2 children – Sarah Carlson of Farmington Hills and Kevin (Sabina) Carlson of Negaunee, 4 grandchildren – Jay Challa, Josie, Katie and Eli Carlson, a sister Sharon (Rick) Engstrom of Alpena, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law – Pete and Cathy Carlson, Norman Carlson & Joanie Schultz, Ross and Barbara Carlson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son Ethan John Carlson and a half-brother James Lahtinen.

The Carlson family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 until 4:00pm on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 4:00pm on Sunday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Sandi's memory.

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

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .