Janice Elaine Carlson

Janice Carlson passed on Monday, April 30, 2018 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Janice Elaine Smith was born on March 27, 1938 in St. James, the daughter of Henry and Bessie (Rogers) Smith. Janice grew up in St. James and enjoyed singing, gymnastics, playing softball and she graduated from St. James High School in 1956. On July 6, 1957, she married Richard Carlson in St. James and the couple lived in West Sveadahl and then Nicollet, before moving back to St. James in 1969. Janice was a proud mother of her three children: Jody, Robbe and Patrick. She balanced being a busy mother of three while working as a bookkeeper at places including Scherr-Tumico, the Farm Bureau and Shelby Manufacturing, as well as joining Richard in his business, Northern Sign Contractors. Throughout her life, Janice was an active member of Ladies Aide, Church Circles and local Extension Groups. Her love of singing continued with regular performances in her church choir. She was also an avid lover of antiques, collecting and restoring furniture and dolls and was a member of the Antique Doll Club. She and Richard were members of the Auto Restorers and Prairieland Auto Club for 50 years. Her family and friends will remember Janice as an amazing cook, one who was always ready to host a party of any size and welcome people into her home with a meal she prepared with love. She loved gardening and canning what she grew to share with others. She was also a brilliant seamstress, sewing clothes for herself and her entire family, always in style with the latest fashion trends. Above all, her family will remember her for her wisdom, positive outlook on everything in life, quick-witted sense of humor and her love and devotion for her family. Janice is survived by her husband Richard, children: Jody Carlson, Robbe Carlson and Patrick Carlson, grandchildren Jessica (Aaron) Greco, Holly Carlson, Jamison Carlson, Jakob Carlson, Rianna Carlson, brother Daniel Smith, brother-in-law Keith Weber and aunt Arielle Panzer. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Patricia Weber, Julie Smith, brothers Roger Smith and Derald Smith. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, May 4, 2018 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, May 5, 2018 United Methodist Church, St. James 225 Armstrong Blvd. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Saturday, May 5, 2018 United Methodist Church, St. James 225 Armstrong Blvd. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship Lunch and fellowship at the church following burial.