Sandra Carlson

Sandra Catherine Spain, daughter of Joseph and Irene Mae (Smith) Spain, was born December 19, 1952 in Morris, Minnesota, where she grew up and received her schooling. She was baptized on December 28, 1952 by Father Raymond Jacques and confirmed on April 5, 1964 at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. She graduated from Morris High School in 1970. In 1976, she was married to Charles Barker. To this union one son, Brett Barker was born. Sandra continued her education at the University of Minnesota Morris, where she received a Bachelors Degree in English and Art History in 1992. Sandra worked in Western Minnesota, St. Cloud and Benson, where she owned and worked for others in retail clothing sales. She also worked as a hairdresser in Ortonville and Morris. On August 10, 1996, she was united in marriage to Lauren Carlson at First Lutheran Church in Morris by Reverend Dean Larson. The couple made their home near Chokio. Sandra enjoyed sewing, quilting and reading. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family.



Sandra died on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at her home near Chokio, having lived to reach the age of 53 years.



She is survived by her husband: Lauren Carlson of Chokio; her son: Brett Barker of Alexandria; step-children: Louis Carlson of Philomath, OR, Lisa Carlson of Cold Spring, Dan (Vicki) Carlson of Chokio, Dr. Tom (Michelle) Carlson of St. Joseph, Anne Stahn of Minneapolis, Kathryn (Paul) Bergstrom of St. Paul, Peter (Heather) Carlson of Independence and Dr. Molly (Josh) Buckler; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her mother: Irene Spain of Morris; one sister: Bette Friederichs of Chisago City; two brothers: James (Marilynn) Spain of Hopkins and Bill (Brenda) Spain of St. Cloud; 11 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.



Pallbearers for the service are: Greg Friederichs, Joe Friederichs, Dan Friederichs, Jeff Friederichs, Nick Friederichs and Justin Spain. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Mary Huebner serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.