Diana Joann Carlson

Diana Joann Carlson, age 84, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at her home with Gary by her side. Diana was born on May 12, 1941, to Arthur and Anabelle (Nielsen) Gilbert in Clear Lake, Iowa. After graduating from high school in Clear Lake, she attended Wartburg College before transferring to Iowa State University.

On July 1, 1961, Diana met Gary Carlson while he was home on leave from the Army, a meeting made even more special as it took place on his birthday. The couple married on October 20, 1961, in Friedberg, Germany. In February 1964, they returned to the United States and lived on the family farm in Clear Lake, Iowa, where they began building a life together that would span 64 years.

Gary’s job with 3M moved the family around the country, eventually settling in the Ellendale–Blooming Prairie area, where they raised their four children and began farming. Diana was a true farmer’s daughter and loved working on the farm, milking cows, and tending her garden. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie and took great joy in cooking, baking, and caring for her children.

Diana was also a talented pianist and soloist, known for her beautiful singing at significant events, including the funeral of Roger Peterson, the pilot in Buddy Holly’s plane crash, and her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Above all, Diana treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and hosting holiday gatherings.

Survivors include her husband, Gary Carlson of Blooming Prairie, MN; children, Steven (Kristi) Carlson of Story City, IA, Jeff (Michelle) Carlson of New Richland, MN, and Catherine Carlson of Blooming Prairie, MN; daughter-in-law, Angie Carlson of Blooming Prairie, MN; twelve grandchildren, Madeline Carlson, Quinton Carlson, Taran Schneider, Molly Schneider, Lyndsay (Chad Melchert) Carlson, Matthew (Kal) Carlson, Jordan (Marcus) Skelton, McKenzie (Brandon) Hildebrandt, Brody (Carley) Carlson, Lila Carlson, Erin O’Brien, and Sean O’Brien; fifteen great-grandchildren, Eily, Evelyn, Rhett, Ryatt, Jovie, Maren, Cam, Bryce, Korie, Olin, Rayne, Oaklee, Emersyn, Willow, and Ayla; sister-in-law, Patricia Gilbert of Clear Lake, IA; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Anabelle Gilbert; her son, Jon Carlson; her brothers, Delbert Gilbert and Duane Gilbert; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Gilbert; her nephew, Todd Gilbert; and her parents-in-law, Mary and Harlan Carlson.

A memorial service for Diana will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.